Back to News From NJSBA

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AN OPEN LETTER TO THE CITIZENS OF HAMILTON TOWNSHIP

TRENTON, September 6, 2000—Edwina M. Lee, executive director of the New Jersey School Boards Association, today issued the following open letter to the citizens of Hamilton Township concerning the illegal strike by members of the Hamilton Township Education Association: 

“The New Jersey School Boards Association condemns illegal strikes by teachers.  In New Jersey, the courts have consistently upheld the concept that teacher strikes are illegal.  The public’s access to government services—including children’s access to education—cannot be disrupted through bargaining tactics.  Today’s illegal work stoppage by the Hamilton Township Education Association has disrupted students’ education and the lives of families throughout the community.

“There is no justification for a local education association’s decision to use students as pawns in its attempts to influence the negotiations process.  In Hamilton, negotiations have been continuing with the assistance of a state-appointed mediator.  And in New Jersey, as the negotiations process continues, the employees remain protected by the terms and conditions of their previous contract until a new agreement is reached.  Therefore, the fact that the school board and education association have not reached a new agreement in no way jeopardizes the employees’ welfare.  They remain protected by all provisions of the previous contract and continue to receive their salaries, their health insurance benefits, and all protections under the previous agreement.

“The New Jersey School Boards Association urges the Hamilton Township Education Association to end its illegal strike and to work with the Hamilton Township Board of Education to reach a settlement.”

#########

Copyright © 2000 New Jersey School Boards Association. All rights reserved.