Contact: Nat T. Bender, nbender@aftnj.org, 908-377-0393
Garfield Federation of Teachers made numerous good faith changes in attempt to reach deal
Despite productive negotiations between the Garfield Board of Education and the Garfield Federation of Teachers (GFT), the state monitor for the district Angelo DeSimone rejected a proposed deal acceptable to both parties. “Our last proposal fell within the county salary average and demonstrated an appreciation of the current economic situation school districts are facing,” said GFT President Rob Barbier. “Unfortunately no further progress can be made due to DeSimone’s concerns with the future of state funding.”
The union is comprised of 774 teachers, paraprofessionals, nurses, guidance counselors and child study team members, according to Barbier. “Over the course of these negotiations the GFT has worked tirelessly to produce language and salary guides according to the parameters laid out by the Board of Education, but DeSimone’s restrictions have left no way forward so we are headed to mediation to try to reach a fair deal. Unfortunately it appears to be a pattern in the district as the union that represents custodians, maintenance workers and secretaries is also going to mediation.”
Healthcare costs have increased significantly for Garfield teachers after statewide legislation coupled with imposed restrictions on pay increases, according to Barbier. “The GFT recognizes the central issue at the heart of this matter is the manner in which the state has chosen to underfund education, particularly in urban areas. Unfortunately the current leadership of our state has decided to exercise an attack on funding in an attempt punish teachers, perhaps not realizing that students pay the highest price in this exchange.”
Despite the impasse, Barbier pledged that the GFT will not engage in any activities or job actions that could have a negative impact on students. “As always, our largest responsibility are the children we serve,” he said. “We will continue to work with the students throughout these negotiations as the consummate professionals we are and to work with the parents and Garfield community.”
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