Mediation has proven successful for the Sidney Education Association’s teachers’ union and the Sidney School Board.  The two groups reached a tentative three-year contract deal that will move them forward out of their ongoing dispute.  It took two mediation sessions for the groups to reach their agreement.

According to Andy Sever, director of Labor Relations for the Montana Schools Board Association, “Part of it was acknowledging that you were as close as you were. ” Sever had already explained the cost of the salary proposal to the Sidney Board of Trustees, and they realized it was only about a $60,000 difference from what they had proposed.

The agreement they reached includes a 4.5% salary increase during the first contract ear and then a three percent and three and a half percent raise in the following two years, respectively.  The union needs to officially agree to the contract, but a vote in favor is expected soon.

One of the issues addressed during the mediation was longevity pay and whether it would apply to overall teaching or only time spent in the district.  The two sides eventually agreed it would be in-district service only.  

Teachers will receive $1500 after 17 to 19 years of experience, $1750 for 20 to 24 years of experience, and $2000 for teachers with a quarter century of experience in the district.

Insurance was also an issue.  The two sides agreed to 100 percent at the highest deductible for health and dental coverage for singles, and a $150 more in pay for families with coverage.