In Fair Haven, Connecticut, teachers have been fighting a seemingly uphill battle. A federal mediation case has brought the school boards and the teachers union together to discuss potential resolutions in this case. 16 months ago, a lengthy battle began when teachers from numerous districts, including Benson, Castleton, Fair Haven and Orwell had concerns and wanted to further negotiate their contracts. Because those contracts expired in July of last year, both the union and boards have been following the terms up until now without contractual protections.

Retroactive Pay Freeze Led to Civil Mediation

Concerns began when in February of this year, the school boards imposed what is known as a “retroactive pay freeze”. This would mean that about 150 full time teachers would see a loss in pay. The union and board met last week to discuss the issue, however, negotiations at that point did not go well: the union voted to strike on Wednesday. Mediation on the federal level began at the very last minute, and both agreed to further discuss the issues with this aid. Because this was a federal mediation, it was closed to the public.

Comments from One Mediation Attorney

Thus far not much has been said in terms of what's being negotiated, though one representative did say that the teachers prefer not to strike, that they do have hopes of reaching a resolution via mediation. They are presently floating various proposals and there has been mention of "relatively flat salaries within multi-year deals." The school districts have already brought in substitute teachers as a precaution. Parents have also expressed concern, with many saying until the issue is resolved, they will not be sending their children to school. They cite concern more over the stability of the teaching environment for their children, though many supporters on both sides have begun to put up road signs in either support of the board or the union.