The Unity Negotiations Team met with Board representatives Wednesday, April 19, 2006 in J 202 at 12:00. This was the Board’s turn to respond to The Support Staff’s proposal. Representing the board were Joe Rossi, Karen Beckman, and Cindy DeFalco. At the table for the Unity Team were Penny Wells, Michelle Bevan, Mitch Mischlich, Rhonda Petruzzi, Ed Perkins, Renee DeAngelo, Dan Matt, Marsha Patrick, Claire Farnum, John Stratton, Will Parsons, and Dom Nigro. The mood at the table was polite but restrained.

Joe handed out a fourteen page document that contained the Board’s response to the Support Staff proposals – “denied”. It also contained new proposed changes in the contract. Those changes consisted of restrictions and limitations and can be summarized as “we want to take away…” Joe read the paper and gave rational for the proposed changes for about a half an hour without interruption. Some Support Staff members of the team sustained minor damage to their tongues during that time. Joe did not make eye contact during his presentation possibly to keep from laughing.

After Joe went over the proposed changes, the Board’s team left the room. The Unity Team then began a therapy session which included laughter and name calling. Following the therapy, the team went over the proposal discussing the implications and making sure everyone understood the proposal. The team was also looking for items they might be able to agree on to move toward settlement.

It is hard to believe at this stage that we should be trying to arrive at an agreement that both sides can live with. So far, there has been no evidence that the Board is rushing toward settlement. Unless something changes we are still months away from an agreement. And if I hear “cost containment” one more time, I may forcibly eject the contents of my stomach.

Will Parsons, Unity Team Coordinator