Warren Teachers' Deal: 9% Increase Over 4 Years

After more than two years in negotiations, Warren Township's and education association grabbed a chance to settle a contract, with teachers slated to receive increases totaling 9 percent in four increments.

The increases are from the fact finder's recommendation, which specifies a 2.4 percent increase backdated to Feb. 1, 2011; a 2.3 percent increase on Nov. 16, 2011; and future increases of 2 percent on Sept. 1 and a 2.3 percent incease on Sept. 1, 2013.

"While the above recommended increases will disappoint each side, although in different ways, I believe they make a reasonable, affordable and workable package," fact finder Jean Hattigan wrote. The report notes the increases are "responsive to the Board's budget situation," but still competitive with other districts.

Hartigan notes the increases are adjusted to later dates in the various contract years to provide some relief to the board, which is also explains the recommendation for a 2 percent increase in September.

The report concludes by noting Hartigan encouraging the board and association to adopt the recommendations because "bargaining has gone on too long and both parties need a resolution."  

The report also noted the , imposed in June 2011 by the board which caused an unfair labor practices complaint by the Warren Township Education Association. Hartigan recommends the new conytract include the state plan, and that the union retract its complaint.

Both sides quickly accepted the report when it was issued June 11.