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Union, schools ready to negotiate

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By RONNIE BLAIR rblair@tampatrib.com

The Tampa Tribune

Published: July 9, 2009

LAND O' LAKES - Contract negotiations for Pasco teachers resume today at a time when there are "serious morale problems" among school district employees, a union official says.

Jim Ciadella, a business representative for United School Employees of Pasco, told the school board this week that the union recognizes the financial challenges facing the district, but is hoping the district's cost-saving efforts and federal stimulus money will help fund pay raises this year.

"We really don't want to go a second year without them," Ciadella said.

Last year, school employees didn't get raises or the step increases in pay they normally receive based on years of service. A recent employee survey the union conducted revealed morale problems at the schools, Ciadella said.

The school board approved its two negotiating teams for the contract talks Tuesday, although some preliminary discussions have already taken place.

One team will negotiate the contract for teachers and the second will negotiate the contract for school-related personnel, such as bus drivers, custodians and cafeteria workers.

The next negotiation session for the school-related personnel contract is July 15, Ciadella said.

Reporter Ronnie Blair can be reached at (813) 259-7065.

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