Teachers at vo-tech voice their discontent over lack of contract Wednesday, December 06, 2006 • By TOM QUIGLEY • The Express-Times FRANKLIN TWP. | Warren County Technical School teachers hit the picket lines before classes Tuesday in an ongoing demonstration of their discontent with protracted contract negotiations. The teachers and support staff have been without a contract since June. Union representatives said the deadlock centers on salaries, work hours and a district plan to change the benefits package, Warren Tech Educational Association President Ed Yarusinsky -- a history teacher -- said he couldn't discuss the details because the negotiations are ongoing. "I read in a statement that teachers want a contract and that they've negotiated in good faith and they deserve a contract," Yarusinsky said. "We've made concessions that we believe are in good faith." The stalemate led the state to appoint a mediator and a closed negotiating session is scheduled on Dec. 11. Yarusinsky said teachers here make a lot less than those in other districts. The starting salary for a vo-tech teacher is $35,200 and increases incrementally to $55,264 at the 20-year mark. Teachers are picketing each morning between 7:30 and 7:45 a.m. before the 8 a.m. start of classes. They continue to conduct after-school activities and have not started a so-called work-to-rule action when teachers only perform required tasks. Acting Superintendent/Principal Alan Naimoli said "we've been trying to work with the teachers." He declined to discuss any details about the negotiations. "I have to say (the teachers) have been very professional," Naimoli said. "They haven't taken this to their classes." Teachers involved in contract disputes sometimes seek out student support for their cause. "The board (of education) has changed negotiators so hopefully that will help," Naimoli said. Each side has a negotiating team. Current enrollment at the school is about 420. The school offers a dozen programs, including communications, culinary arts, visual arts, theater arts, automotive, machine trades and health sciences. The money to pay teachers' salaries and the school's other costs comes from state, county and local taxpayers. "We try to get the most from every dollar, and we try to keep our budget as low as possible to keep the cost to taxpayers to a minimum while offering a quality education," Naimoli said. Reporter Tom Quigley can be reached at 908-475-8184 or by e-mail at tquigley@express-times.com. © 2006 The Express-Times. Used by NJ.com with permission.