January 2015

I am extremely pleased to announce that I have signed a new MOA (Memorandum of Agreement) that extends our current CBA (Collective Bargaining Agreement) until December 31, 2016.
Members will receive an overall compounded raise of 18.08%. The contract includes two rounds of bargaining. The first round covers the period January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2009. The second round extends the agreement through to December 31, 2016. The two 4% increases from the first round will be paid out in four 2% raises going into effect on the dates indicated in the agreement. The first two 2% raises will be retroactive to January 1, 2008 and the second two 2% raises will be retroactive to January 1, 2009. The retroactive increases are not being referred to as “back-pay” but instead are referred to as “Lump Sum Payments”. The lump sum payments will be paid out according to the schedule in Section 5 of the attached MOA. Retired members and members that retire and are off payroll within 28 days of ratification will receive their entire Lump Sum payment as quickly as it can be implemented. Members currently eligible for retirement should contact Pension Committee Chairman and BERS Trustee Joseph D’Amico. He can be reached at 718.455.9731, ext. 268 or via email at: Pension@local.redpenguinwebserver.org
Upon ratification we will be due an immediate increase of 81⁄2 % along with the back pay due from July 1, 2011 up to the time of implementation of that increase. Additionally, there will be a one-time $1000 pensionable signing bonus to all members on active payroll on the date of ratification.
In reference to a “Direct System” there is language in the MOA restating Article XVI of our current CBA. There are no changes to this language nor is there a current plan in place to institute such a system. However, the MOA requires the Department of Education to negotiate any such change with Local 891.
The Mayor and the Chancellor have both announced their intentions on extending the school day and the use of the City’s school buildings. Local 891 has insisted that the current permit and space sheet process creates financial uncertainty for our members and requires them to wait long periods of time for reimbursement. There is also a side-letter agreement between the parties that we will meet and negotiate an extension of the day school schedule that is predicated on taking some of the money currently funding extra use and adding that money into our Day School Allowance. The exact hours and which buildings that will be used must be negotiated. Outside of this day school extension, the permit and space sheet process remains as is.
There are no changes to the language of our current CBA other than the new economic terms!
I am proud to present this agreement to you for your approval and I thank you for standing behind me to get this done.
ALL IN-SERVICE AND RETIRED MEMBERS WILL RECEIVE 100 PERCENT OF THE MONEY THEY ARE ENTITLED TO BACK TO JANUARY 1, 2008