Greetings,

Information Regarding Your First Paycheck:

The Minneapolis Federation of Teachers was informed two weeks ago that the District Administration was not intending to allow step and lane movement on your first paycheck.  The District's action is in violation of the “continuing contract” language in the Teachers Contract found on page 7, Article I, Section C 1., "Duration of Agreement: Terms and Reopening Negotiations" which states:

"This agreement shall remain in full force and effect for a period commencing on July 1, 2007, through June 30, 2009, and thereafter until a new agreement is reached.  If either party desires to modify or amend this Agreement, it shall give written notice to such intent no later than May 1, 2009."

The impact of the District's actions means those covered by the Teachers Contract did not see any step or lane movement on their first paychecks.  To address this issue, a letter was sent to Superintendent Green on August 31st asserting that the MFT was seeking compliance with the contract and expecting step and lane movement to be honored per case law and state law.  The MFT letter to Dr. Green was shared at the September 2nd Stewards' meeting with a request it be communicated to all MFT members at sites. 

Dr. Green distributed the MFT's letter to the School Board, District Administration and Legal Counsel.  The District's response was received by the MFT on September 10th and indicates, in their opinion, that the contract runs through June 30 of 2009 and, until a new contract is negotiated, steps and lanes remain as agreed to in the 2007-2009 Teacher Contract.  This translates to no automatic step or lane movement, including ATPPS movement.

The District has tried this tactic in the past and has not been successful.  It was clear then and it is clear now that both case law and state law are on our side.

We are in consultation with Education MN attorneys regarding the District's response to determine further action.  Meanwhile, we will continue to work hard on your behalf at the bargaining table and through any legal actions we may take.

We will keep you informed of our next steps.

Thanks for your patience.

Lynn Nordgren, President
MFT, Local 59