SECA

Bargaining Update, August 3rd

Negotiators for SEA, SECA, NIPSCO, and SCSBDA met with the District Bargaining team this afternoon to officially begin the bargaining process this year. The meeting included introductions of all team members, exchanges of opening statements from the chief negotiators, and participation in a discussion about the SCPS budget.  As it has been in recent years with shrinking state funding, diminished property values, and the funding "cliff" resulting from the end of the federal stimulus dollars, the climate in which your representatives must bargain is difficult to say the least. While your team members are well aware of the District's budget crisis, it was made clear to the Board representatives that every member of our four units is likewise in an individual budget crisis from increased costs at home and the newly-legislated requirement forcing all FRS participants to contribute 3% of earnings into retirement. Despite these challenges, your bargaining team will work diligently to explore the District budget for available funds, provide throughtful proposals, and seek solutions to address our issues.

Please remember to thank your bargaining team members:   

SEA - KT Caldwell, Dan Smith, Debby Whitmire, Sue Carson, Darleen Brown, John Riegelmayer, and Pat Rogers.

SECA - Rosie Guerrido, Sharon Wiggins, and Joyce Peterson.

NIPSCO - JoAnn Moran, Criag Hopes, Carlos Crispin, and Bruce Law.

SCSBDA - Randy Saunders, Richie Hernandez, Dorothy Davis, and Eric Brady.

Please stay tuned for further bargaining updates on the UniServ website and look for notices of future meetings.