MOUNT VERNON — Many members of the Knox County Career Center Staff Association attended Thursday’s school board meeting. The employment contract between the association and the board expired June 30, 2009, and the staff have been working without a contract ever since. Because negotiations on a new contract have apparently stalled, the association members brought their case before the board in open session.
“We are asking why a contract hasn’t been settled yet,” said KCCCSA spokeswoman Kim Giles. “The old contract, with some adjustments, worked well for everyone for many years. Now, the administration wants 16 out of 22 articles changed. We are just looking for a fair contract.”
The board did meet in a special executive session on Friday, Sept. 9, to discuss negotiations. Upon return to open session, Superintendent Bernie Pachmayer reported to the News, the board said it was not prepared to come off a 0 percent pay increase.
Because negotiations are still sporadically continuing, no details could be discussed in public, but it appears many relate to working conditions and association rights.

