Teacher ratification means strike-free year

By Curtis Lum
Advertiser Staff Writer

Hawai'i's public school teachers yesterday ratified a partial contract settlement with the state that keeps their health benefits in place but does not address pay issues.

Salary negotiations continue, HSTA said.

The state last month extended labor contracts for one year with the Hawai'i State Teachers Association, as well as the United Public Workers and the Hawai'i Government Employees Association. Yesterday’s ratification of the partial settlement ensures that there will be no teachers strike this year and that talks with the state will continue.

HSTA president Karen Ginoza said the settlement "maintains teachers' rights and professional development incentives."

Ginoza said the contract will allow teachers greater flexibility in scheduling professional development programs and using sick leave. She said teachers certified by the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards also will receive a $5,000 annual differential for up to 10 years.

The Peer Assistance Program will continue, Ginoza said, and more mentor and peer assistance programs will be created. During the negotiations, HSTA officials said, the state wanted to take away professional certificate and doctoral pay differentials and eliminate the peer assistance pilot program.

In April 2001, the teachers struck for three weeks before reaching an agreement.