Lindbergh challenges teachers' bargaining
rights
On Feb. 10, 2009, the Lindbergh School District bargaining
team, made up of building administrators and central office
administrators, declared that it would not negotiate with
the Lindbergh NEA (teachers' professional association), about
basic terms and conditions of employment. Items the district
team refuses to negotiate include, but are not limited to,
class size, teaching schedules, grievance procedure, lay-offs,
transfers as a result of redistricting, evaluation procedures,
and other matters of educational concern.
In May, 2007, the Missouri Supreme Court ruled that public
school teachers have the right to bargain collectively. LNEA
believes that the district should uphold this Supreme Court
decision. This refusal to negotiate violates teachers' constitutional
right to bargain collectively through their chosen representative,
and is an abrupt departure from over 40 years of a mutually
beneficial bargaining relationship between the district and
LNEA.
"Without these rights, LNEA is concerned that Lindbergh
will no longer attract the best teachers and this loss will
have a negative impact upon the quality of education our students
deserve. At the same time, LNEA is afraid that experienced,
dedicated, and highly qualified teachers, in whom our district
has invested time and money, will transfer to districts which
are including bargaining language and competitive salaries,"
commented Diane O'Leary, LNEA President. Other area school
districts currently offering more than Lindbergh include Parkway,
Rockwood, Pattonville, Hazelwood, Webster Groves, Kirkwood,
and Special School District.
In the midst of this controversy, Lindbergh teachers will
continue to work to provide the high quality education Lindbergh
parents and students are accustomed to receiving. The teachers
of Lindbergh would appreciate the continued support of the
community. Join with the teachers in calling upon the District
to "bargain in good faith" with the LNEA.
Lindbergh NEA is an affiliate of the 35,000-member
Missouri National Education Association.
March 23, 2009
For further information:
Diane O'Leary, President LNEA
Phone 314-853-8708
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