Schools reopen in Akron - Ohio - Developments in Industrial Relations

Monthly Labor Review, May, 1989 by George Ruben

Schools reopen in Akron

In Akron, OH, a 14-day work stoppage involving 2,000 public school teachers ended when the school board and the Akron Education Association settled two major issues: the size of salary increases and revisions in procedures for disciplining students.

The 3-year accord provides for a 2.75-percent salary increase retroactive to the July 1, 1988, termination date of the prior contract, a 3.25-percent increase (which will be raised to as much as 4.75 percent if funds are available) in July 1989, and a 40-percent increase in July 1990. Prior to the settlement, the starting rate for new teachers was $18,890 a year, and average pay for all teachers was $32,000. The new contract is subject to reopening--and the teachers have the right to strike--if a November citizen referendum results in a cut in a tax increase adopted in 1988.

The new student disciplinary procedures include shifting the penalties for 15 infractions from possible suspension to mandatory suspension and creating committees at each school to set penalties for lesser infractions.