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.
Thursday, May 23 2013 8:53 PM EDT2013-05-24 00:53:47 GMT
Anna Bailey was walking back from the gas station Thursday morning when she found 16-year-old Emonte Davis lying in the middle of the sidewalk on Sharon Street. He had been shot in the chest, and she tried to help.
Anna Bailey was walking back from the gas station Thursday morning when she found 16-year-old Emonte Davis lying in the middle of the sidewalk on Sharon Street. He had been shot in the chest, and she tried to help.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 11:44 PM EDT2013-05-23 03:44:19 GMT
Find out how you can help the victims of Monday's deadly tornado that ripped through the Oklahoma City suburbs, killing two dozen and flattening neighborhoods, schools and businesses.
Find out how you can help the victims of Monday's deadly tornado that ripped through the Oklahoma City suburbs, killing two dozen and flattening neighborhoods, schools and businesses.
Friday, May 24 2013 8:17 AM EDT2013-05-24 12:17:03 GMT
Officials say the Detroit Institute of Arts' collection could be sold to help satisfy creditors if the financially troubled city of Detroit seeks bankruptcy protection.
Officials say the Detroit Institute of Arts' collection could be sold to help satisfy creditors if the financially troubled city of Detroit seeks bankruptcy protection.
Friday, May 24 2013 7:19 AM EDT2013-05-24 11:19:36 GMT
Michigan's public schools would get about 3 percent more and it's community colleges and universities about 2 percent more in overall funding next fiscal year under measures approved by Republican-led budget panels.
Michigan's public schools would get about 3 percent more and it's community colleges and universities about 2 percent more in overall funding next fiscal year under measures approved by Republican-led budget panels.
Friday, May 24 2013 6:47 AM EDT2013-05-24 10:47:05 GMT
Jimmy Howard stopped 25 shots as the Red Wings beat the Chicago Blackhawks 2-0 on Thursday night in Game 4 of the second round series to put the NHL's best team during the regular season on the brink of elimination.
Jimmy Howard stopped 25 shots as the Red Wings beat the Chicago Blackhawks 2-0 on Thursday night in Game 4 of the second round series to put the NHL's best team during the regular season on the brink of elimination.
Thursday, May 23 2013 9:21 PM EDT2013-05-24 01:21:55 GMT
The mountains of petroleum coke along Detroit's riverfront continue to grow. Now lawmakers are saying the stuff has to go as the story gets national attention.
The mountains of petroleum coke along Detroit's riverfront continue to grow. Now lawmakers are saying the stuff has to go as the story gets national attention.
Thursday, May 23 2013 8:53 PM EDT2013-05-24 00:53:47 GMT
Anna Bailey was walking back from the gas station Thursday morning when she found 16-year-old Emonte Davis lying in the middle of the sidewalk on Sharon Street. He had been shot in the chest, and she tried to help.
Anna Bailey was walking back from the gas station Thursday morning when she found 16-year-old Emonte Davis lying in the middle of the sidewalk on Sharon Street. He had been shot in the chest, and she tried to help.
Thursday, May 23 2013 8:39 PM EDT2013-05-24 00:39:46 GMT
Army Specialist Jenna Beno bravely fought for our country. Sadly, she died after an attack in Iraq. Thursday, the young soldier was honored during an emotional ceremony in Clarkston.
Army Specialist Jenna Beno bravely fought for our country. Sadly, she died after an attack in Iraq. Thursday, the young soldier was honored during an emotional ceremony in Clarkston.
WTTG FOX 5 & myfoxdc 5151 Wisconsin Ave. NW Washington, DC 20016 Main Number: (202) 244-5151 Newsroom: (202) 895-3000 fox5tips@wttg.com