PARSIPPANY — While the Parsippany-Troy Hills Board of Education refuses to consider negotiating alternatives to their contract offer that would result in reduced take-home pay, teachers can no longer afford to be silent and accept less real income for themselves and their families. Despite claims to the contrary, the simple math is that the Board’s offer would result in yet another year of less revenue for teachers at a time when the cost of living has increased.
The Board’s offer came after eight months of negotiations, during which time the PTHEA accepted numerous concessions, moved away from its original proposals, and told the Board it would accept any deal that led to even a small increase in take-home pay. During this time we did not protest, hold rallies, or make statements. We presented evidence that such a deal was both affordable and practical and were given indications that an agreement was close. And then, at the 11th hour, just as our old contract expired, the Board came back with the offer described above.
And that is why the 750 members of the PTHEA across all 14 schools feel they have no choice, and have overwhelmingly decided that they can no longer volunteer their free time for activities that go beyond contracted responsibilities. Our teachers are not willing to divert time from their own families for voluntary and/or uncompensated work as long as they continue to realize less real income year after year.
As professionals, our teachers have maintained their work ethic and continue to discharge their duties fully and completely, according to the contract with the Board of Education. They perform all the functions required of them during class, duty, and contracted meeting times. However, no additional services will be rendered and no personal time will be offered.
