Pay Raise...Let's Be Real

[Unregistered]

Is the salary raise we (FOP) want and deserve "credible" or "less than credible?"
There is no way we should get a pay raise that is more than what teachers (UTD) received, which is between 2-3%. They are the backbone to the educational system at MDCPS. Teachers are the most important part of the school system. That would be wrong!
We probably cannot get more than what the support staff (AFSCME), which includes our custodians, bus drivers and cafeteria workers that are our lowest paid employees and primarily made up of our minority members of the workforce. These workers clean our schools, drive our students and serve school pizza. That would be wrong too!
Can we at least get the 2-3% and maybe some new uniforms (better shoes and hats), equipment (radios and cars) and cheaper insurance (medical and dental)? That seems fair, I think.

[Unregistered]

Is the salary raise we (FOP) want and deserve "credible" or "less than credible?"
There is no way we should get a pay raise that is more than what teachers (UTD) received, which is between 2-3%. They are the backbone to the educational system at MDCPS. Teachers are the most important part of the school system. That would be wrong!
We probably cannot get more than what the support staff (AFSCME), which includes our custodians, bus drivers and cafeteria workers that are our lowest paid employees and primarily made up of our minority members of the workforce. These workers clean our schools, drive our students and serve school pizza. That would be wrong too!
Can we at least get the 2-3% and maybe some new uniforms (better shoes and hats), equipment (radios and cars) and cheaper insurance (medical and dental)? That seems fair, I think.

From one who has negotiated contracts for a long time.. make a list and keep expectations high.. always have a second and third list to negotiate down to and compromise.. yes one must always compromise in this business.. and remember contacts can be imposed if they have the right connections . Do not start at what you want now.. be adults and meet often to get it done.. or you are only hurting yourselves.