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CLEAR Temp: 90 °F Wind: NW at 10 mph Friday, August 29, 2003 SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion - Politics AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map EXTRA HomeLife Magazine Joy Magazine Tempo A & E RogueValleyAutoFinder RogueValleyHomeFinder Real Estate Showcase Wellness Connection Newspaper in Education Prime Times Outdoor Journal Personals Movie Times TV Times E The People CLASSIFIEDS Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Find Everything E SOUTHERN OREGON Automotive Communities Entertainment Publications Recreation Calendar ABOUT US FAQ What's New Advertise Home Delivery Classified Ad Employment Contact Us Media Kit Email Story to a Friend July 29, 2003 School union officials reject offer By JILL BRISKEY Mail Tribune EAGLE POINT — The school employees’ union has rejected a proposal that would have increased salaries by 2 percent while limiting district insurance costs. Eagle Point — which has been in contract negotiations since December — currently pays the entire $1,070 monthly health insurance premium for each of its nearly 400 employees. That’s the highest share of insurance premiums paid by any school district in the state, according to a survey conducted by the Oregon School Boards Association. "That’s just too much money," said school board Chairman Doug McKinley. "(The proposal) is a really good insurance plan. It’s just that they’ve have had better, and that’s the problem." Advertisement Union officials rejected the district’s latest offer July 21 during their 14th contract negotiation session. "Our people want the insurance benefits," said union President Jody Streetman, a teacher. "We’re at the bare bones right now. We’re like turnips here. We can’t give any more." Administrators say soaring health insurance rates amount to $2 million of an estimated $7 million district shortfall for the 2003-04 fiscal year. Their proposed plan would cost $1.2 million less, they say. The district would switch insurance carriers from Oregon Education Association Choice to Regence BlueCross BlueShield. Instead of a $5 co-pay per visit or prescription, union members would pay a $100 yearly deductible, or $300 annually for an employee and family. The district, which is still negotiating its deal with Regence, would limit the amount it pays for employee premiums to $695 a month. They say that’s still $100 more than the state average. The union has asked the district for a zero salary increase and an $800 monthly cap on insurance premiums, a plan Streetman said would save $500,000 next year. She said the district is asking too much of employees and is using the bargaining process to dismantle contracts. Streetman said for district employees who earn $7 or $8 hourly, "$100 to them might as well be $1 million." The union’s proposal has been rejected twice by the school board. McKinley said the union plan doesn’t save enough money. He said the district would be forced to lay off additional teachers under it. Although the district brought in a state mediator in May, the bargaining process has come to a standstill. Both parties say they want to avoid a strike. It is unlikely that the matter will be resolved before school starts in September. Employee contracts, which last three years, typically are ratified in June. The current contract will be extended if an agreement isn’t reached before September. McKinley said school administrators may have asked for too much from employees in the beginning of the process, but added that it’s time for both sides to give. "This us-against-them thing has got to stop," said McKinley. "That’s just ludicrous. We all have the kids’ best interest at heart. It should be a we, not us against them." Streetman added the district is simply asking too much from its employees. She said morale is at an all-time low. "Do they respect us? Do they care? My feeling is I don’t see it," she said. Reach reporter Jill Briskeyat 776-4485, or e-mail [email protected] Printer Friendly Version Email Story to a Friend Subscribe Archive: Click to Search Mail Tribune Home Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives | Site Map E Southern Oregon | Classified Copyright © 1997-2003 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions Website Feedback A D V E R T I S E R S SPECIAL SECTIONS Rogue Valley Auto Finder Rogue Valley Job Finder --> Rogue Valley Home Finder Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Tempo Real Estate Showcase Food for Thought Hike of the Week Wellness Connection Outdoor Journal Moving to Southern Oregon? Volunteer Openings Prime Times