CCEA To CCSD: Layoff Hundreds Of Teachers

The Clark County Education Association (the teacher's union) told the Clark County School District that they will not budge very much in negotiations regarding the district's budget shortfall. "But Ruben Murillo, president of the teachers union, the Clark County Education Association, said the group will not be rushed into a deal, even if it means hundreds of teachers probably will receive layoff notices.
"We still have a lot of negotiating to do," said Murillo, who leads the union that bargains on behalf of 18,000 teachers. "I'm not going to capitulate."
The district is struggling to close a $123 million budget gap for 2010-2011, which was created by a $78 million cut in state funding and an expected $45 million decline in property tax revenues." http://www.lvrj.com/news/teachers--union-withholds-support-for-furloughs-proposal-89579027.html
Meanwhile the other three unions said it was ok for the district to use 4 furlough days in a way to reduce salaries: Three of four Clark County School District employee unions have offered to take unpaid furloughs to prevent mass layoffs, but the teachers union, the largest bargaining group, is withholding its support for the proposal. (same article)
I belong to the teacher's union and I can say this: the vast majority of teachers I have talked to support getting rid of staff development days in exchange for the reduced pay.
If the teachers don't reach a settlement, and it appears there is a good possibility they won't, about 540 teachers will lose their jobs. Now, the teachers are gambling that there be few if any layoffs will come about because of retirements and people leaving the district.
Because of the teacher's position, teachers will also will a pr battle with the public. Greedy teachers will be the new mantra in the public setting, either in comments in the Sun and LVRJ, local talk shows and on the street.
So, CCEA, please listen to your members, you may get another view.