Let's Clarify Some Things...

In New York State there has been a lot of talk concerning the Taylor Law and the Triborough Amendment, unfortunately these conversations do not often explain what these pieces of legislation mean.


What does the Taylor Law do?
The Taylor Law prohibits strikes by public employees.  A penalty calls for the loss of two days pay for every day on strike (two-for-one penalty).  The actual penalty is the loss of one day's pay; the other day of lost income is the result of no work being done on that day.

What is the Triborough Amendment?
It is an amendment to the Taylor Law which provides that all terms and conditions and provisions of an expired public employees contract remain in effect until a new contract is approved.  Since public employees may not strike, this establishes a fair balance in negotiations and encourages all parties to come to the table.

What are the mandatory subjects of negotiation?

• Teacher evaluation procedures
• Wages and hours, including length of work year
• Impact on unit members of reduction in work force
• Impact of modification on class size.

Tenure doesn't guarantee anyone a job. It guarantees due process:  Teachers are told why they are being terminated and given an opportunity to challenge that reason.

Well Said...

"Public school districts have become a target for politicians.  Over the years, mandates have imposed a slew of costs on public schools.  These costs have had, limited, if any, connection to or positive impact on teaching and learning...The governor's plans for a cap on tax levies would deny residents the power to make decisions that directly affect their own families and community.  In fact, the governor's proposals imply that we do not have the wisdom or ability to make these important decisions for ourselves...Distractions that take the focus off the real issues are not, and cannot be, acceptable to us.  We must not abrogate our responsibility to work together respectfully and collaboratively."

Roberta Gerold
Superintendentof Schools
Middle Country School District
Newsday OpEd (March 9, 2011)