CSA, DOE Start Mediation For New Contract

CSA, DOE Start Mediation For New Contract

By HOWARD MEGDAL

Negotiators from both the union representing Principals and other administrators and the Department of Education met with a mediator May 22 at the city's Office of Labor Relations in an effort to jump-start stalled contract talks. Council of School Supervisors and Administrators President Jill Levy characterized the mediation as "preliminary," but expressed optimism in the process as a means of resolving the dispute.

'Very Helpful'

"I believe that the mediation process is very helpful in seeing how far the parties are willing to go," Ms. Levy said in a May 23 phone interview. "The agreement is there if DOE is willing to come to an agreement."

Veteran mediator Roger Maher was appointed by the Public Employment Relations Board after CSA filed a petition for impasse in March. The two sides will hold up to three mediation sessions, with the next scheduled for June 6.

Once those sessions are completed, PERB will determine if an impasse exists. If so, a fact-finding arbitrator will be appointed to make non-binding contract recommendations.

"I hope we don't have to go that far," Ms. Levy said. "But we have to look very seriously at the fact-finding recommendations to figure out what we can accept."

City Labor Relations Commissioner James F. Hanley declined comment.

'Meeting Him Part-Way'

Ms. Levy expressed frustration over the situation, adding that her members have been working under an expired contract since July 1, 2003.

"We've negotiated on everything. We listen to the Chancellor, respond to the Chancellor, and try to meet him part-way. That's how negotiations are supposed to work."