Meridian, ID–Statement from Luke Franklin, President, Meridian Education Association
“We are surprised and disappointed by the district’s announcement today they have unilaterally declared an impasse and discontinued good faith negotiations with the dedicated teachers in Meridian. There was no indication given that the district would refuse to bargain, and the Meridian Education Association was blindsided by this unnecessary and hostile action. The district did not even provide the courtesy of informing us of this decision—further evidence of their disdain for collaboration.
The district has misinterpreted or misconstrued legal opinions to suit its own purposes, and has clearly overstepped its authority. Ceasing good faith negotiations and imposing terms is not the prerogative of either party in a collective bargaining process. Given the fact that the Meridian Education Association made significant concessions as recently as Friday and that there are proposals still on the table, we had certainly anticipated ongoing negotiations.
This heavy-handed power play on the part of the district is disrespectful to the teachers and students of Meridian. We hope that the district will re-consider this strategy and return to the bargaining table.”
