Detroit Federation of Teachers President Keith Johnson talks about the new contract. (Credit: WJBK | myFOXDetroit.com)
DETROIT (WJBK) -
"The emergency manager chose the path of least resistance and simply said I'm not going to negotiate because I don't have to," said Detroit Federation of Teachers President Keith Johnson. "It's not a collective bargaining agreement. It wasn't bargained, and it's not an agreement."
He would usually be the one to present the newest contract for his teachers to see, but Johnson says he won't do the dirty work of presenting it.
Roy Roberts, the emergency manager for the schools, ordered it into effect this week. Negotiations were not a part of the deal, although the two sides did discuss.
In the end, here's a look at some of what's in the document. We'll begin with the amount of time teachers have in between classes to prepare. The amount of prep time for teachers goes down from five daily prep periods a week to two.
Already, Johnson says, prep periods are the first things teachers lose.
"If indeed they ever get it because so often they have to lose their prep period in order to cover for a teacher who's absent. So, that teacher could conceivably end up with no prep periods, and that has an adverse effect upon our students."
Also new in the contract, teachers injured at the hands of students on school property are used to being able to keep their salary and maintain benefits while they're off and recovering. Now, Johnson says injured teachers would only get workers compensation.
Another part that Johnson says is so terrible and egregious is the fact that people who are on military leave for more than a year won't be protected under the new contract.
"So conceivably, if we have a teacher who is over and deployed in Afghanistan or anywhere else for two years, he or she does not have the certainty that when they return their job will be here waiting for them."
Another part that changes to help the district shave $72-million of deficit is maternity leave. Under the new contract, it would be limited to just twelve weeks.
Fox 2 has spoken with Steve Wasko, a spokesperson for the Detroit Public Schools. He says they won't comment on the specifics of what's inside the contract.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 6:21 PM EDT2013-05-21 22:21:52 GMT
As people struggle to pick up the pieces in the areas of Oklahoma ravaged by tornadoes, we've learned some relief will be coming from right here in Michigan.
As people struggle to pick up the pieces in the areas of Oklahoma ravaged by tornadoes, we've learned some relief will be coming from right here in Michigan.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 11:08 AM EDT2013-06-18 15:08:18 GMT
Chrysler on Tuesday is expected to file papers explaining its refusal to recall 2.7 million older Jeep SUVs that are at risk of catching fire in rear-end collisions.
In one of the biggest-ever showdowns between an automaker and the government, Chrysler on Tuesday is expected to file papers explaining its refusal to recall 2.7 million older Jeep SUVs that are at risk of catching fire in rear-end collisions.
Monday, June 17 2013 5:55 PM EDT2013-06-17 21:55:56 GMT
A new search for the remains of Jimmy Hoffa is underway in northern Oakland County. Armed with a search warrant, the FBI moved in Monday morning and started digging in Oakland Township.
A new search for the remains of Jimmy Hoffa is underway in northern Oakland County. Armed with a search warrant, the FBI moved in Monday morning and started digging in Oakland Township.
Friday, June 14 2013 10:25 PM EDT2013-06-15 02:25:13 GMT
A team led by a state-appointed emergency manager said Friday that Detroit is defaulting on about $2.5 billion in unsecured debt and is asking creditors to take about 10 cents on the dollar of what the city owes them.
A team led by a state-appointed emergency manager said Friday that Detroit is defaulting on about $2.5 billion in unsecured debt and is asking creditors to take about 10 cents on the dollar of what the city owes them.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 11:26 PM EDT2013-06-20 03:26:37 GMT
Mitchell Young's trial got underway on Wednesday. He is accused in the murder of Robert Cipriano and the beatings of Robert's wife, Rose, and son, Sal.
Mitchell Young's trial got underway on Wednesday. He is accused in the murder of Robert Cipriano and the beatings of Robert's wife, Rose, and son, Sal.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 9:52 PM EDT2013-06-20 01:52:15 GMT
The Detroit Red Wings and city officials on Wednesday announced a $650 million plan for a new arena development for the NHL team in Detroit's downtown entertainment and sports district.
The Detroit Red Wings and city officials on Wednesday announced a $650 million plan for a new arena development for the NHL team in Detroit's downtown entertainment and sports district.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 9:39 PM EDT2013-06-20 01:39:53 GMT
The state's school superintendent and treasurer could dissolve a deficit-ridden district and send the students to nearby schools under legislation narrowly approved Wednesday by a divided Michigan Senate.
The state's school superintendent and treasurer could dissolve a deficit-ridden district and send the students to nearby schools under legislation narrowly approved Wednesday by a divided Michigan Senate.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 9:33 PM EDT2013-06-20 01:33:24 GMT
Gov. Rick Snyder on Wednesday cut short his trade trip to Israel to return home and lobby reluctant fellow Republicans to expand Medicaid to more Michigan adults...
Gov. Rick Snyder on Wednesday cut short his trade trip to Israel to return home and lobby reluctant fellow Republicans to expand Medicaid to more Michigan adults, as the clock ticked before lawmakers break for the summer.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 9:21 PM EDT2013-06-20 01:21:00 GMT
Dequindre-Emery Playlot had become grossly overgrown. George Bearid said enough is enough and began mowing on Sunday. Now several neighbors have joined the effort to clean up the park.
Dequindre-Emery Playlot had become grossly overgrown. George Bearid said enough is enough and began mowing on Sunday. Now several neighbors have joined the effort to clean up the park.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 8:03 PM EDT2013-06-20 00:03:28 GMT
"I don't blame the clerk," Mike Duggan said as he ended his mayoral bid. Two courts ruled he cannot be on the ballot because he had not lived in Detroit for a year when he filed.
"I don't blame the clerk," Mike Duggan said as he ended his mayoral bid. Two courts ruled he cannot be on the ballot because he had not lived in Detroit for a year when he filed.