Watkins teachers take cut in pay increase

     WATKINS GLEN—Members of the Watkins Glen Faculty Association (WGFA) approved revisions to their contract, including a reduction in their pay increase for next year and increased co-pays for prescription drugs, June 2.
   According to Superintendent Tom Phillips, representatives of the Association approached district officials asking to reopen their existing contract, which is in effect through 2012.
    The current contract called for a 3.5 percent increase in pay for next year. Instead, Watkins Glen teachers will receive a 2.5 percent increase, Phillips said. In addition, faculty members agreed to a change in their health care plan that includes a reduction in the premium, but carries higher co-pays for prescription drugs. The new health care plan also encourages the use of generic drugs over brand name ones, which will result in savings.
    “The health care plan change is projected to save the district about $1.5 million during the next three years,” Phillips said.
    Teachers also agreed to freeze their hourly pay rates for additional duties, and slowed the increase of extra-curricular stipends.
    “They didn’t request any guarantees or provisions regarding future layoffs,” Phillips said. “They came to the district in good faith, said they realized the difficulty of district’s financial situation and wanted to help.”
    According to Rick Comfort, WGFA president, the Association recognized the difficult financial situation and decided to help relieve the burden placed on the taxpayers.