Teachers' contract goes to arbitrator

The longest salary negotiations ever between teachers and the Clark County School District went to arbitration Monday.

It was the first time an arbitrator has been used to settle the high-stakes contract dispute between district officials and the Clark County Classroom Teachers Association.

"They're definitely working hard," arbitrator Franklin Silver said. "There is a possibility this could bear some fruit. If there is no progress, we'll move forward with the arbitration."

The district has offered teachers a 3.25 percent raise for last year and 3.25 percent for the coming school year, 1998-99. The sticking point in negotiations is a 1 percent pay increase beyond the 3.25 percent.

District officials are offering the 1 percent increase as a one-time only bonus, sometimes referred to as "soft" money. Union negotiators want the 1 percent added to salaries permanently.

"The philosophical argument of soft and hard money is so huge in its impact on salary schedules," chief teacher negotiator John Jasonek said. "Our position is that if the school district can pay for it, why not pay for it continuously?"

Chief district negotiator Edward Goldman said the district's hands are tied by how much money the state Legislature provides. He said the district did not know whether it could afford to pay the 1 percent beyond two years.

"There is no guarantee the Legislature will roll it up," Goldman said. "That's been the sticking point."

Negotiations between the two groups began roughly a year ago. Impasse was declared in December and continued with a mediator. Talks broke down for good in April.

Arbitration is likely to continue through Wednesday, but the two sides could reach an agreement before arbitration ends. If they don't, both sides have 30 days to present a final offer. Oakland-based arbitrator Silver then would have 10 days to choose one offer or the other, but he cannot craft a compromise.

Negotiators on both sides lamented going to arbitration, the final stage in contract talks. Goldman said the district simply does not have the money to insert the permanent 1 percent raise. Jasonek said teachers want a verdict on the issue of bonuses versus permanent raises.

"It's a question we have to get answered," Jasonek said.

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