MEA Counterproposal November 10, 2008

1. Salary Increase

2008-2009 4%

2009-2010 2.5%

2010-2011 2.5%

New steps at level 17 and level 20

Change: MEA original offer called for a 4% increase in each of the three years of the proposed contract.

Comment: these modest increases from the current contract compensate for some of the givebacks that MEA members have volunteered over the last seven years.

2. Inflation Protection

CPI -1

Change: MEA original offer called for CPI +3.

Comment: this reverts back to current contract, which provides minimal protection against sharp increases of inflation, while allowing for a shared risk of cost increases between the district and the MEA.

3. Health Insurance

Keep Current Contract Language

Change: MEA original offer called for the district to provide the lower-deductible insurance to all certified employees for no cost.

Comment: we disagree that the district’s proposed tiered insurance plan is more fair than the current comprehensive insurance plan.

4. Early Retirement

Keep Current Contract Language

Change: MEA original offer called for a district matching program for those teachers who have no early retirement insurance.

Comment: we can approach this issue at the end of the proposed contract cycle – when Oregon’s economic situation is clearer.

5. Other Parts of the Contract

Current Contract unless both sides agree to specific modifications.

Change: there are dozens of changes proposed by both sides – most of which have no economic impact – that have either been agreed upon or can be agreed upon.

Comment: both sides have shown a healthy amount of cooperation in finding common goals and in accommodating each other’s needs, so none of the remaining proposals from either side should threaten an agreement on the “money” issues.