DPS outlines proposed contract for DFT members

Monday, September 11, 2006

Superintendent William F. Coleman III released the following statement on the status of the ongoing negotiations with the Detroit Federation of Teachers:

“During our talks over the weekend we presented the Detroit Federation of Teachers with a contract proposal that included minimal wage reductions and reasonable benefit cost sharing. The wage reductions amounted to 0.75 percent in the first year only. That would mean an average pay reduction of between $11 and $24 per paycheck for each teacher. We are also asking that all our teachers pay 10 percent of their benefits. Under the current contract, only teachers hired after 1992 pay 10 percent of their benefits. Our latest proposal also included a wage increase in the second and third years of the contract, which total 3 ½  percent. The contract also contains a provision that allows teachers to receive greater wage hikes based on any increase in the District’s per pupil funding. The District’s original proposal included a 5.5 percent pay reduction and no guaranteed wage increases.

Although the parties are apart, we are not far apart.  We believe we have made significant progress over the last two-and-a-half weeks. The challenging nature of our finances demands that we seek cuts from all employees, including our teachers who account for $833 million or 60 percent of our total budget. We remain committed to bargaining in good faith. And we are eager to bring this matter to a speedy resolution.”