Two unions bargain for contracts with RC Schools
Two unions are working without contracts in the Rogers City Area Schools, after the teacher?s contract expired Sunday. Employees who are members of the Rogers City Educational Support Personnel have been without a contract since the end of June. According to superintendent Ed Schultz, there have been four or five meetings with representatives from the RCESP and he believes they are ?making some progress.?
Heading up the negotiating team for the RCESP are Dann French and union president Karl Grambau. Within the last month, setting up face-to-face meetings with teacher union reps and school officials has been slowing negotiations, according to Schultz, but a September 23 date has been scheduled to continue contract talks for the Rogers City Educators? Association.
Uniserv director Chuck Herring of the Michigan Education Association out of Alpena is optimistic an agreement can be reached at the next meeting.
?Rogers City has always been slow when it comes to contract negotiations,? Herring said. Schultz said insurance may be one of the sticking points for the teachers, while Herring says it?s ?money. End of statement.?
Schultz said escalating insurance premiums are a concern in every Michigan school district. Chief negotiator for the RCEA is Vicki Bruder, while Bob Brietzke serves as union president.