LAY FACULTY ASSOCIATION BEGINS NEGOTIATIONS
O n September 16, 2009 negotiations began
between the LFA and new “independent” schools. The LFA presented
their proposals to the principal and CEO of Spellman. The proposals
were designed to give our teachers better wages, a more
comprehensive medical program and a retirement plan that would
better enhance the retirement benefits of our older teachers while
at the same time laying the foundation for a pension that our
younger teachers could embrace. “The first meeting showed promise,
however, we’ll have to wait until our next meeting on September 30th
to see if this can be resolved at the table rather than the courts”
said LFA business manager Henry Kielkucki.
THE N.Y.S. EMPLOYMENT
RELATIONS BOARD ISSUE NEW CHARGES AGAINST THE CHSA.
On September 9,2009 The N.Y.S.E.R.B. issued
another complaint against the CHSA for their failure to produce the
requested documents needed for negotiations. This brings to seven,
the number of complaints issued by SERB against the CHSA. An
administration judge has been appointed to these cases and unless
this dispute can be settled at the table, hearings are scheduled to
begin around October 8, 2009. All the principals and many of the
school board members have or will be subpoenaed. Any faculty member
wishing to view these hearings is welcome. You will be notified of
the dates and the participants who appear on that particular date.
LAY FACULTY OFFICERS
ATTEND LIUNA LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE.
Business Manager Henry Kielkucki and Secretary
Treasurer Anthony Cusimano recently participated in a leadership
conference held by LIUNA in Orlando Florida. Of particular interest
was the Sec.-Treas. Conference, which outlined, clearly, the rules
and regulations governing union funds. It is important that any
member requesting union expense reimbursement must submit a detailed
explanation of the funds requested as well as any receipts that
should have been kept. The conference also made reference to the
need to contribute more to the “pink book” in order to retain
similar benefits. We are currently looking into this as well as
increasing our contributions to better our retirement package.
THANK YOU BILL
William Dahncke, a long time faculty member of
Our Lady of Lourdes H.S. retired this June. Bill served the LFA for
many years. His dedication to Catholic Education and his tireless
efforts on behalf of the teachers of the LFA will be dearly missed.
During the turmoil of the 1980 negotiations, Bill led his teachers
to participate in the numerous and various job actions that brought
the LFA back from difficult days of the 1970’s. Bill, will be
missed, however, he will always be remembered as a person dedicated
to his students, teachers and the LFA.
