Mediation dates set between Flint schools, teachers union

Flint, MI— After protests and a sick-out in which 119 Flint Community Schools (FCS) teachers called in sick, forcing schools to shut down, the Flint Board of Education has authorized the district to go back into negotiation with the United Teachers of Flint (UTF). 

Mediation dates were set for March 22, 25, and 26, 2024, for FCS administrators and UTF to meet and attempt to resolve the contract dispute. 

The negotiations will not address a new contract, but two grievances that have gone to arbitration, said Board Attorney Tim Gardner.

The first grievance focuses on the ability to hire new employees at a certain point on the salary scale, and the second addresses preparation time given to teachers.

The March 13 sickout was the latest move by UTF after the board stood firm in its decision in January to reject a settlement agreement reached by UTF and school administrators, including three school board members. 

The agreement would’ve addressed salary steps, a traditional school calendar, teacher recruitment and retention, and the two above-mentioned grievances. Some teachers’ pay has been frozen since 2014 and the teacher salary schedule is the lowest in Genesee County.

The teachers’ current contract, ratified in 2022, provided a single-step increase in August 2023, with another coming in August 2024. The contract expires in 2025. 

During a March 13 board meeting, Gardner said the district was looking forward to seeing if they could come to resolutions on the current issues.