Protest At Labor March

Principals to Parade Frustration on Pact

By HOWARD MEGDAL

With a contract deal still out of reach, the union representing city Principals, Assistant Principals and other school administrators is planning a protest at the Sept. 9 Labor Day parade next month.

ERNEST LOGAN: Patience worn thin.

"We're always optimistic - but looking at what has been going on for four years, there are limits to that optimism," Council of School Supervisors and Administrators Executive Vice President Ernest Logan said in an Aug. 9 phone interview. The union's members have been working under an expired contract since July 1, 2003.

Doubts City's Interest

CSA President Jill S. Levy said in a letter to members last week, "Many of you have asked me what CSA is planning to do to get us a contract. Here we are in our fourth year without a new contract and it appears that the Mayor and Chancellor have little interest in resolving the matter. I believe that management can always afford to be complacent when employees are complacent."

She continued, "So now it is time for us, as a unified force, to demand that they engage in serious negotiations. First and foremost, we have an opportunity to walk side by side in a show of professional strength at our Labor Day Parade."

City Labor Commissioner James F. Hanley responded in an Aug. 10 phone interview, "We're always willing and prepared to make settlements that make sense with unions that are willing to do the same."

Mr. Logan noted that the union always pushes for members to participate in the parade, and expects several hundred to do so again this year.

'Day for Unity'

"Labor Day is not just about having a contract - it's about unity of purpose," he said. "We also have our own internal issues."

The demonstration is scheduled for the Saturday after schools open Sept. 5. Mr. Logan said that CSA's executive board will meet just prior to the start of the school year to weigh various options.

"If things do not materialize, then we plan to do some other activities before the school year," he said. He declined to elaborate on the alternatives to be considered, but Ms. Levy has previously said that her membership would support any choice, including a strike.