Posted on: Tuesday, July 17, 2001

Teachers to work without contract

By Alice Keesing
Advertiser Education Writer

Hundreds of Hawai'i's public school teachers are heading back to the classroom next week in an unusual situation: They have no contract.

The contract forged during April's teacher strike remains unsigned and unimplemented as the union and state argue over one clause that would give bonuses to teachers with master's degrees and professional diplomas.

That means teachers returning to work at more than 40 year-round schools next week may not receive their pay raises.

Although some teachers are telling the Hawai'i State Teachers Association that they won't work without a contract, HSTA officials are strongly encouraging everyone to report to work, said Executive Director Joan Husted. The union is waiting for the state's response to a proposal that the bulk of the contract be implemented while they continue to work on their disagreement over the bonus.

The union is arguing that the 3 percent professional bonus should be paid for two years. The state says the bonus was for one year.

The latest estimated cost of the bonus is $13.4 million for two years, Husted said.