This letter is in response to your article “Edison board, teachers’ union in contract talks” (Sentinel, Jan. 11)
I hope and pray that everyone who has read this article will share and discuss the salary scale, benefits and additional increases given to teachers. It is my understanding that the benefit medical package is worth approximately $17,000 per person. And that we, Edison residents, pay for the entire family, not just the employee. When I was on the Edison Board of Education negotiating team in 1995, I tried to change the dynamics by having Edison residents only pay for the employee. The union did not go along, and consequently we ended up paying for the entire family. Is that fair or reasonable?
In 2008, everyone I know in the business world took a 20% cut in their salary. And in some cases, people were let go. But not in Edison. In Edison, we kept all raises in place and in some instances we even gave more raises. Everyone is cutting their expenses, possibly working more than one job and/or looking for a job.
Let’s remember that teachers work a total of 181 days and make these incredible salaries. I know people who work 50 weeks a year and get 2 weeks vacation, work weekends without extra pay, attend functions at night, and made a paltry $45,000. In addition, they had to pay their own medical insurance of approximately $600 per month. Is this fair or reasonable?
I believe in a just and fair salary for everyone. But I also believe that when our state is in such trouble, we should all tighten our belts. Including teachers.
Gloria S. Dittman
Edison