I wanted to wait a few days before making some personal observations concerning the Strike of 1994 (95?!). This gave time for my thoughts to clear–and for both sides to ratify the Contractual Agreement that will carry us through August of 1996.

DID WE “WIN”? YES! You have a contract that provides raises of 4.9% and 6% in an economy where the cost of living is increasing at something less than 3%. In addition to that–and equally important considering what happened last year–teachers have job security for this year. Whether because of “no reprisals” because of the strike or because of actual written language to that effect, teachers will not be RIFed this year. (The Board team had indicated on December 21 that it would never agree to such language; on January 2 it did.)

WAS IT WORTH IT? YES!–See Above Paragraph.

BUT–24 DAYS?! That was NOT YOUR FAULT! Your bargaining team tried to avoid this strike back on September 16–by offering 5% and 5% (including step!)–less than that for which we finally settled! We tried to negotiate from Day 1–and every day thereafter. The unnecessary prolongment of this strike was due to the strategy (?), stubbornness, and paralysis of the Superintendent and the Board of Education. We have no apologies to make–only regrets that students and teachers were kept waiting for no reason from November 17, 1994 until January 2, 1995. The strike should never have happened. When it did, it should have been over before Thanksgiving.

Your strength and solidarity won this fight. You supported your bargaining team when it fought for your concerns–despite attacks by the other side in an effort to undermine that team. The Superintendent and Board of Education now know that your team truly represented the general membership of the Cairo Association of Teachers. Your team appreciates you vote of confidence. Hopefully their side will learn from their mistakes–and not repeat them.

Speaking of your team . . . I have nothing but admiration and respect for their dedication and strength. You know, BUT I REALLY KNOW the long hours that they gave to fashion this agreement. Ruth Bailey, Ledora Beard, Penny Farris, Debbie Hammel, and Steve Kohn gave up summer vacation days, nights, weekends, and–yes–even New Year’s Day for US. We’ve said it before, but I will repeat it for all of us–THANK YOU!

I know that the other members of the team will not feel slighted if I single Steve out for special recognition. Steve spent many additional hours (literally days!) Going through the District’s budget and annual financial report–developing “his” numbers. The past months have proven one thing beyond a doubt. “Mr. Kohn’s numbers”–as in they gave the numbers to him, so the numbers were not theirs anymore–are correct! The numbers have been verified by several different sources–on BOTH sides. Steve’s lesson in finance allowed the “financially strapped” Cairo School District Number One to grant the “unreasonable demands” of the C.A.T. The Superintendent and the Board of Education now know–IF they paid attention–that they have a lot of money left over. Let us all hope that they spend it wisely!

I was granted one special wish–an answer to my only concern–during this strike. Your unity and strength made the Superintendent and Board of Education realize that any attempt to open school would be a total failure. You prevented them from doing the one thing that produces long-term division and hard feelings–among teachers and between teachers and the administration. It did not happen. Incidentally, the substitute teachers overwhelmingly supported us during the strike–turning down an offer of $75 per day to become scab replacement teachers. Let them know that you appreciate their loyalty–support that could have cost them future employment.

WHAT NOW? TEACH! It’s what you have been waiting to do for almost two months. BUT–remain united–and vigilant! We–as a group–must be alert for any attempt to retaliate against any individual (member or not) who is singled out for his/her support of our cause. We–as a group–must rally to that individual’s defense.