Cairo Association of Teachers - Newsletter

CAT Tracks for July 31, 2008 CONTEMPT OF CAT

A slap in the face...

...actually, more like a kick in the teeth!

By the way, CATs DO have teeth...mighty sharp teeth!

You read on CAT Tracks a very brief blurb about a rumor...that the first teachers' institute this year was going to be at Shawnee Community College. Since then, you have read nothing.

However, CAT has been working behind the scenes trying to get clarification and letting District officials know that it had received complaints about the change in location...the change in past practice. Members who heard the rumor were saying that, if indeed that were the case, then we should all received round-trip mileage from Cairo to SCC.

In fact, this was a somewhat heated topic of discussion at one of our contract negotiations sessions. The only reason proffered by Superintendent Swopes for the change was that he wanted to get everyone's attention...to signal "a fresh start."

However, at the conclusion of that session, Superintendent Swopes indicated that CAT's concern was premature, that the institute was still in the planning stages. Therefore, the CAT kept silent and waited...and heard nothing.

Finally, with the beginning of school getting closer and closer, the CAT sent a letter to Superintendent Swopes inquiring as to whether plans for the institute had been finalized...and that IF indeed the institute was still planned for SCC, then CAT would exercise its rights under Illinois labor law and demand to bargain both the decision to move the first day of school out of town AND the impact of that decision, namely, the additional mileage and time involved. The letter was sent last Thursday by "snail mail" and also by e-mail (knowing that Superintendent Swopes was out of town on vacation, due back on Monday.)

Superintendent Swopes was still out of town on Monday, but returned to work on Tuesday. Superintendent Swopes HAD to have received either or both CAT inquiries during the day. Superintendent Swopes attended the negotiations session on Tuesday night, but said nothing about the institute day.

CAT heard nothing about its inquiries on Wednesday.

CAT has heard nothing about its inquiries today.

BUT...this (former) CAT received his copy of The Cairo Citizen in the mail today...and is his fuzzy butt burning!!! (See article below.)

Needless to say, CAT will now make its demand to bargain this change in working conditions official. Since the District chose to arbitrarily implement the change without bargaining, the CAT shall demand mileage for all of its members.

Superintendent Swopes indicated that he wanted "to get attention"...to make "a fresh start." Well, he has certainly accomplished THAT.

Never in the turbulent history of labor-management relations in Cairo School District Number One has the Association had to "go to war" with a new superintendent before the school year even started. There has ALWAYS been a honeymoon period!

NOT a good omen for the future of the marriage...

From the July 31st edition of The Cairo Citizen...

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