CAT Tracks for May 7, 2002 DAY 8 - BUSY DAY AT H.Q.

MONDAY MORNING...BACK AT IT!

Despite initial threats of yet another storm, picketing resumed on schedule at all attendance centers and the District central office. An added "bounce in the step" was noted, as a weekend's rest provided fresh resolve to obtain a fair settlement and to get students and teachers back in the classroom where we belong.

VISITORS

Members of the SIU-C and SCC faculties joined us for the noon meeting. They brought monetary donations...(Significant Donations!), but, more importantly, they brought words of support and appreciation. They thanked us for setting a shining example of the courage and conviction sometimes required of employees who exercise their rights under the law. The CAT thanks them for their support...and promises not to fail in sending a message...Boards of Education must negotiate with their employees...sooner or later...so why not sooner?

NEGOTIATIONS SCHEDULED

The CAT received word from the federal mediator on Monday morning that a negotiations session is scheduled for Tuesday afternoon at 4:30 p.m. Hopefully, this is a sign that the Board of Education is ready to bargain...to finally match the efforts of the CAT. During the marathon weekend talks (which failed to bring a settlement), the CAT made the last two monetary moves...in effect, negotiating against itself. The CAT bargaining team indicated to the federal mediator last week that we had yet another proposal...BUT...that we needed a signal from the Board team that they were willing to reciprocate. To end the standoff, the Board must finally come to the table with an open mind and engage in good faith negotiations.

SPEAKING OF THE STANDOFF...

To focus our efforts, the CAT has adopted a theme to "End the Standoff...Get the Students Back in School". A new trifold flyer was designed yesterday, printed, and readied for distribution. In fact, the first batch of flyers went out yesterday afternoon, and that process will continue today. Signs are being prepared for distribution and display in the windows of area businesses. Other signs are being printed for "yard display", as the CAT steps up its campaign to show where the blame clearly lies in this dispute. The "problem" is not the teachers. The PROBLEM is the BOARD OF EDUCATION...a Board which refuses to negotiate with its employees...instead, choosing to HOLD KIDS HOSTAGE!\

REACH OUT AND TOUCH

The CAT communications committee also spent time yesterday "brainstorming" strategies to reach parents and public...to let them know how the Board of Education is playing games with their children and their schools. Contacts were made yesterday with V.I.P's to explain our message and solicit their support. One and all contacted were very receptive...indicating their own frustrations with a noncommunicative and nonresponsive Board of Education. They "feel our pain"!

Incidentally, when you see the marquee at 28th street...that is a friendly response to our efforts. Although a "neutral" message to both sides to "end the standoff", the public knows who the problem is! They are asking - demanding- that the Board of Education join the CAT at the table......put kids and teachers back in the classroom...NOW!

IN THE MEANTIME

Picketing resumes at 8 a.m. Tuesday morning. The "noon meeting" will return to its usual time of 11 a.m. See you there!

BEST SLOGAN OF THE DAY...

CATs can and do...land on their feet!