Workers Vote to Start Strike Process in Scioto County School District
Workers Vote to Start Strike Process in Scioto County School District Save Email Print
Posted: 2:03 PM Dec 4, 2008
 Last Updated: 3:13 PM Dec 4, 2008
 Reporter: WSAZ News Staff
Email Address: news@wsaz.com
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SCIOTO COUNTY, Ohio (WSAZ) -- The members of the Ohio Association of Public School Employees Local 376 union voted this week to issue a ten day strike notice to the Northwest Local School Board.

The approximately 62 members of the union are non-teaching/classified workers. Their contract expired at the end of June and the negotiations have been underway since May of this year.

Karen Bailey, the field representative for OAPSE, says the sticking point is over wages and health insurance. Bailey says the proposed increase in health insurance costs for workers would basically offset the proposed wage increase.
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Posted by: Concerned Parent on Dec 18, 2008 at 07:04 PM
Ok, here is the deal. The classified workers were offered a GREAT package.1) they raised their trip pay $1. 2)they offered to give them a $10 raise on their winter hook up for the buses.3) they offered a $500 opt-out raise on insurance.4) they pay their life insurance prems.5)only 1% raise on their health insurance which is 3%.6) the pay raise DOES compensate for their insurance.7. they raised their accumlated sick days for retirement. Now some get to take the bus home which means a free ride to work.Some have a 20 minute or longer between routes and still get paid. There is not one contracted worker that get less than 5hrs a day.Their contract may be only 2.5 but they work longer and get paid.3 months off in the summer.This is not about the teachers so please leave them out of it.And to the one who sent 2 others comments well clean it up a little. no one wants to read trash mouth. And wanting to teach the admin.a lesson, well sorry to say the lesson will be yours and NOT A GOOD ONE..
Posted by: OAPSE MEMBER 376 on Dec 16, 2008 at 05:47 PM
THIS IS TO WSAZ... IF YOU ARE GOING TO POST COMMENTS POST ALL OF THEM. WHY IS IT I HAVE POSTED TWO COMMENTS AND NEITHER ONE IS ONE HERE. IF YOUR GOING TO PUT COMMENTS ON PUT ALL OF THEM ON HERE!!! I HAVE ALWAYS LIKED WSAZ!!! NOW I WONDER WHY????
Posted by: ridiculous on Dec 15, 2008 at 01:07 PM
This is getting ridiculous.When it gets right down to it, both the classified & the certified staffs-administration,have an excellent benefits package.I think people better get their facts straight before they are presenting it as "gospel." The classified staff has only paid 3% of their insurance premium since at least 1999 whereas the certified staff & administration-only had 1 contract period where they paid 3% share.And,compare the other items you're all complaining about.Get the facts before you start slinging information around.You would be surprised.I also know there are several classified people; custodians and some bus drivers who make more money/year than several of the teachers.I'm sure they know who they are.What's the real problem?Go to work anywhere and see if you can make the money you make working a part time job. See if your boss will spread your pay out so you get a check all year round, but get paid OT.Teachers & administration don't get paid for their extra hours.
Posted by: Anonymous on Dec 14, 2008 at 12:53 AM
I have went to college for four years, and I can assure you that it didn't teach me a thing about standing up and fighting for what I feel is right. I have only been screwed by the greed and coruption of the Educational System, and NO not EVERYONE can go to college as you did. Go figure that one.
Posted by: OAPSE member on Dec 13, 2008 at 08:32 PM
No one is finding fault with the certified staff. All we are asking is to receive a raise and not have part of it taken back for insurance. The benefits such as life insurance, insurance opt-out, accumulated sick days and personal days we asked for were already provided to the certified staff. At times the classified staff negotiates benefits that the teachers then negotiate and receive and vice versa. The difference in salary is the compensation received for years spent at college. In my opinion no one person's job is any more or less important than that of any other. It takes us all to provide an education for the children in the community. It takes the talents and skills of the bus driver, teacher, cook, secretary, custodian, aide, grounds worker, mechanic, nurse, maintenance man and the administrators to educate a child. Sometimes just showing a little respect and appreciation to all employees can go a long way.
Posted by: Certified Staff Member on Dec 12, 2008 at 09:45 PM
I keep reading comments about certified staff, and what we make. Should I be penalized because I went to college? Nobody would understand what sacrifice is given for four years of schooling until you have experienced it. That includes the financial sacrifice in college as well. Instead of finding fault with the certified staff, anyone can go to college as we did.
Posted by: Parent on Dec 12, 2008 at 06:02 PM
Quit finding fault with everyone else . Do your work.
Posted by: parent on Dec 12, 2008 at 05:46 PM
Please quit worrying about what somelse makes .do the right thing .keep your jobs because I'm sure you can be replaced . Someone else would probably be happy with paying the amount for health INS.
Posted by: Anonymous on Dec 12, 2008 at 02:50 PM
before writing a comment people should learn how to spell
Posted by: local citizen on Dec 12, 2008 at 01:28 PM
With the country in a recession, and the school hurting for money(so they say), it's going to be interesting to see what type of raise, the administration and the certified staff are going to get when its time for them to get their raises again. And how much is their insurance going to increase.. Can't wait to see that
Posted by: citizen on Dec 12, 2008 at 11:49 AM
look at the papers and listen to the news at all the layoffs. don;t run the risk of losing your job. but i'm sure there would be a lot of people out there that would love to have yours. maybe the administration should look at some of those people.
Posted by: parent on Dec 12, 2008 at 11:45 AM
the employees are asking how stupid are we.what are you goimg to say to your children when they ask you wgy you can't have a better christmas or extra food on the table.you tell them you are doing the wright thing.standing up for yourself.it sounds pretty selfish to me that you have a job but yet you are willing to risk it for a few dollars. bewilling to give up a meal out or smoke less for your children.
Posted by: OASPE#376 on Dec 12, 2008 at 10:17 AM
Come on, we aren't asking for the moon, we just want to survive. With what they have offered, we will still have to add, OUT OF OUR POCKET, TO MAKE UP THE DIFFERENCE IN THE INSURANCE. Get real, how would you like it if you had to take more from your family? It is not an unreasonable request. Sure times are hard, and they may get worse, but this is just adding to the problem. We have not asked for anything that the cerfified staff has not had for a few years. Yes, most of us do not have that all important piece of papper, some of us do, but it doesn't make them or us any better that the other. We just want what is fair. How would you like it if you got something given to you just have it taken away? THINK ABOUT IT! We all do our jobs and really like our jobs, and we are glad that we have one. But, sometimes you must stand up for what is just and right.
Posted by: OASPE #376 MEMBER on Dec 12, 2008 at 08:22 AM
As a member of this local I have felt as if we do not count. Sure they suck up to us when they need something done, but where are they when we really need something. They flush us down the tubes. They are no better that the big car manfactures or Entron. Stiff the little people and rake in all the goods for yourself. We as a unit have tried to do what is best for the "UNIT". But, it seems that there are those in this unit who are still unsure. When push comes to shove, you will be left out in the cold. I love my job and would really hate to go on strike, but fair is fair. If our district is so bad off then why doesn't the administration give back their raises. That would show some that they were atleast trying to be fair. But, there again , take from the poor and give to the wealthy. We have not asked for anything that they or the certified staff have had for years. When salaries range form 15,000 to 32,000 a year it is alittle hard to do. We are only asking for fairness.
Posted by: OASPE #376 member on Dec 11, 2008 at 05:26 PM
As a side note, there are Scioto county classifed staff that currently have 100% of their permium paid by their district. I am but one vote and one voice and do not want to see a strike but let's be fair and not attempt to make a person who stands up for their rights be accused of doing a disservice to the community in which they live. Almost all of the classified staff are taxpaying residents of this district, ask Northwest administrators how many of them can say that?
Posted by: OAPSE # 376 on Dec 11, 2008 at 05:22 PM
Maybe the public and others think we (the classified staff) are not deserving of the same benefits others in the district already receive and if we ask for the same we are "cry babies". The certified staff negotiated in 2003 a reduction of the percentage share they pay of their insurance premium, a reduction from 6% to 3%. They currently pay 5% which is the sixth year of a reduction in percentage paid. The classified staff has never experienced a reduction in the percent they contribute. Why is it the administration's benefits are the same as the certified staff and not the classified, if we have it so good? I don't think there is a member in the unit who if their salary was comparable to a certified or administration staff member would hesitate to pay the extra percentage. When employees are contracted at 3, 5, 7 or the few 8 hour day positions and contracted days range from 180 to a few at 260, the annual salary varies greatly. An increase will make it harder to make ends meet.
Posted by: OAPSE #376 Member on Dec 11, 2008 at 05:13 PM
As a member of Local #376 union member I would like to address those talking negatively about our members and union representative. I feel all members of this local are happy to have a job and be employed. I also feel the members were well informed of the board proposals on December 1st;they were given a copy of the hand written by the board proposal, when the vote was taken. The public release of those proposals in the Portsmouth Times on December 10th did not tell the whole story. The increase in life insurance from $20,000 to $30,000 is something the administration and certified staff has and have had for some time. The change in personal days from two non-restricted and one restricted to three non-restricted, again certified staff already receive. The increase in the accumulated sick days from 220 to 240, you guessed it, they already have it. The increase in the opt-out from $1,500 to $2,000 the certified staff has been receiving each October for several years now.
Posted by: Bus Driver on Dec 11, 2008 at 01:00 PM
We have to stand up for what we beleave we can't run and hide. There is not one of us who wants to strike but but we need to stand togeather for what we beleave in. If we all fall apart we will not get nothing done. I bet if they would leave everything the way it is noone would complane. If everyone would stand togeather we could get more done.The American way is to stand for what we beleave. I think it is time for everyone to relize that. I stand behind my fellow drivers.
Posted by: anonamus on Dec 10, 2008 at 07:45 PM
be thankful we"ve got a job. if people would just do their jobs instead of cheating the system they may get more. like working 8hrs a day instead of sitting for 2hrs before they start. 1 to 1 and a half hr lunch break then quiting at 1:00 instead of 2:15 then they say they are tired of the adminastration craping on them.i think it's the other way around. quit cheating the system you may get more.there is other work at the school but they don'twant to do that. they want every thing free. like i said half of them couldn'tdo a 8hr days work. so quit complaining and keep your job. that means no strikes ps.you need to thank about it.
Posted by: local business person on Dec 10, 2008 at 02:42 PM
keep your jobs while you still have them, it could be taken away from you and then where would you be.can't pay your bills.may lose your home, hard to put food on the table.you have jobs be happy and thank heaven for them.
Posted by: local citizen on Dec 10, 2008 at 02:10 PM
people think about this.if you strike you will never get back what you have lost.and who is going to suffer but your children. how many jobs are out there, i am sure there would be people there that would love to have your jobs. i pay my own health insurance and for one person i pay over 600.00 per month. i would love to have what you have. please think this thing through.before doing something that will cost your family.
Posted by: Concerned grandmother on Dec 10, 2008 at 11:33 AM
From what i have read and heard, it sounds to me that the Union Rep is going by what the highest paid classified workers (cooks, janitors because they get more hours)are making, not the bus drivers, but, the bus drivers from what i hear about the increases in pay and insurance over the next 3 years, they will be coming out ahead, if the Union Rep will sit down and be honest with them...and show them actual figures and not words... In this recession time we are in at the moment, anyone who has a job, should feel fortunate to be bringing a paycheck home... For the sake of our children, get with your Union Rep and have them sit down with each group (even though they are all classified workers) and explain exactly what your raises and insurance will be over the next 3 years... God Bless each and everyone of you and our prayers are with you.
Posted by: Anonymous on Dec 10, 2008 at 11:07 AM
Less, who is going to make less? Do the researh all facts and figures are public record and can be obtained. The truth is the yearly raise does cover the the raise in the cost of insurance.
Posted by: Informed Citizen on Dec 10, 2008 at 10:55 AM
They have nothing to complain about when they are in the top 2% in hourly wages and pay less for insurance as any other school district in the county. You can not deny the facts.
Posted by: You're kidding, aren't you? on Dec 10, 2008 at 10:13 AM
I work full-time all year long and don't make what most of the people working at Northwest make.Besides that, I'm paying over $150 per month for my insurance, plus I have to pay extra for dental insurance and I don't even have eye insurance.I don't get sick days. If I miss work, I don't get paid. I punch a time clock everyday. And who is this Karen Bailey? Is she paid by your union dues? Do you know how much she makes a year and what she pays for her insurance? And I'll just bet if you go on strike, she'll still be pulling down a paycheck all the while telling you to be patient, she'll get you what you want. I really don't think you realize what's at stake here. Open your eyes. You stand to lose way more than you'll ever gain by striking, and even if you only strike for one day or one week, do you know you'll never get that money back-not ever. Do the math if you dare. And the bickering and negativity is carrying over into attitudes of you who are charged with the care of my kids.
Posted by: Praying Parent on Dec 10, 2008 at 09:55 AM
Shame on you for being so judgmental. Shame on you for not inquiring to the true facts of the offer. Shame on you for not supporting your school and the children in the community to keep the schools running smoothly. And you call yourself a minister of God. Why don't you get off your "holier than thou throne" and look into the real facts, instead of listening to all the rumors. So it is wrong to have knowledge, God tells us to study his word and seek the truth. It doesn't sound like you appreciate or respect what he tells us to do. The fact that some have degrees should have nothing to do with your decisions. You know I don't even work in a school district, but I do work in a position with authority and have the task of making tough decisions like the school board is being faced with and it amazes me at how people respond to business decisions. Sometimes it is not personal, it's just the right thing to do. Pray for a peaceful agreement, kids deserve an education. AMEN!
Posted by: Informed Citizens on Dec 10, 2008 at 09:22 AM
You say that they will be working for less pay, has anymone asked the workers how much less, if any their pay will be. The paper states that the Board pays 97% of their health insurance, have you asked them how much they pay for their insurance. I am sure that most would be shocked to find out it is only 14.61 for a single plan and 38.49 for a family plan per month. How many people pay so little for their health insurance and nothing for vision, dental and life insurance? I know that working outside of a school district, I have paid a $125 for a sinle plan with less coverage. Most of us would be glad just to have the benefit package the receive. Read the paper and look at what they were offered, would you not be happy to go work there?
Posted by: Informed citizen on Dec 10, 2008 at 09:01 AM
I pride myself in being informed when it comes to my income and benefits.I know that wages are the entirety of my compensation package offered by my employer.Consider the amounts that you have paid on your behalf that don't come out of your check but that you take for granted.Retirement,workers compensation,social security taxes,and who pays for your dental, vision and life insurance.My understanding is that Northwest pays these insurance premuims without charge to employees.Does anyone out there realize that janitors usually make little more than minimum wage?And, do property owners realize that the taxes they pay don't even come close to paying for 1 child's education over the course of a year? Do all these people who are slamming the district for their views realize that schools all across the country are in trouble financially; they cannot just raise their prices to meet the demands of the workers like some companies do. Be glad you have a job in this day and age.
Posted by: What are they thinking? on Dec 10, 2008 at 08:29 AM
Have you bothered to listen to WPAY radio station this morning or read the paper?Northwest released information about how much the workers are and will be paying for their insurance not to mention all the other stuff they're being offered!I'd love to be paying under $15.00 a month for my insurance.I don't know what they're thinking.And,they aren't getting a cut in pay at all.In fact they're offering a pretty good increase.I'd love to know how much some of these people make per hour when I've seen them just "sitting around" drawing a paycheck.How many of these people have ever really worked where they are accountable for every minute of their work time.Do they even realize that most people who work at jobs similar to theirs are making much less after many more years not to mention some employers don't even offer health insurance,let alone give it to them for nearly free.Push come to shove, these people are willing to jeopardize their jobs for about $4-$12/mo.Go figure!
Posted by: a minister on Dec 9, 2008 at 11:21 PM
Why is it so bad that people fight for better wages? Do you not think that the school administration wouldn't try to fight for their raise? Why is it not the people who are struggling paycheck to paycheck that are being rewared? The administration is making plenty of money. It is the people who are doing all the "real" work that are struggling. WHY? Because they don't have a degree? Is that a reason to punish them? I'm sorry that a college degree gives you the authority to make people's lives harder, and makes it harder on their family. If you really had a heart for them and for their family you wouldn't let it get to the point to where people have to strike to be able to afford health care for their children. Shame on all of you who are against the strike. Shame on you for not being supportive of people who are rightfully fighting to get better wages to provide for their family, and shame on the cold hearted school administration that can't step down from their "throne" and help.
Posted by: county citizen on Dec 9, 2008 at 01:57 PM
How stupid do people have to be to not understand less pay! It is hard enough in this economy to make ends meet but LESS pay is ridiculous. Keep the pay the same and I bet you won't have any arguments. I'm sure everyone is happy they have a job and benefits, but making LESS money than they are now is scary in this economy. What would you do if your job cut your pay? Would you call it whining then? Don't commend until you have walked in their shoes. Be Americans and stand up for the working class.
Posted by: concerned parent on Dec 8, 2008 at 08:56 PM
How does your pay and insurance compare to the rest of the county? I was told that Northwest was at the top of the list of both of these. If this is true, then what are you striking?
Posted by: Anonymous on Dec 8, 2008 at 11:40 AM
Give me a break. With all the state funding cuts and the economy in a recession be happy to be drawing a pay check with a benefit package. It is a shame that a strike may take place over a few dollars, when really the children are the one who will suffer the most.
Posted by: informed citizen on Dec 8, 2008 at 11:23 AM
It is amazing that in a time when our economy is in the shape it is in, people would be crying over a few dollars a month when they should be happy they have job period. Who's health insurance premiums have'nt went up. Quit crying and whining, suck it up and go to work, and be glad you have job with insurance benefits. I can assure a trip or two to hospital without insurance is whole lot more than what you are being asked to pay.
Posted by: Miss Joy on Dec 8, 2008 at 11:15 AM
Someone was taking notes @ the meeting therefore they depicted some comments I made. Life is about choices, we make good and bad ones. I'm not one to bite the hand that feeds me but the BIBLE say "do not render evil for evil unto any man." I know a "kind word turns away wrath." These are hard times, I just wanted them not to make them harder. In the depth of fear we all have questions that will drastically change not just our lives but the innocent.My prayer is that we as a Union; help each other to make the right choices. "A house divided can not stand." These are my true comments.
Posted by: concerned parent on Dec 7, 2008 at 03:25 PM
I know alot of employees of Northwest school district. These are good hardworking people who helped with construction and remodels of the new schools and were there for the administration when they needed them. Where is administration when these people need them.
Posted by: furious parent on Dec 7, 2008 at 03:04 PM
I suggest that the administration and school board be replaced just like Eastern schools did when they had their problems. It seems they always get their raises and insurance at affordable costs and make more money than most. Give the True workers a break!
Posted by: employees wife on Dec 7, 2008 at 02:58 PM
To those who apparently don't get it! All they are asking for is enough to cover the rising insurance cost on their premium. Why don't you try and raise a family on $16k and see how you could do. There is nobody who wants to strike but they have to stand up for what is right for them and their families. To the parents out there who care enough about their children and about their safety of who drives them to school,cleans their buildings, cooks for them and much more, Thanks for your support! Nobody is whinning, they are just trying to support their families. To the bus driver who does not understand and apparently can't understand what is being layed out there, if it stayed at 3% it would not be a problem and as far as making min. wage, you need to read your labor laws. To the rest of you STAND FOR WHAT YOU BELIEVE IN!
Posted by: union worker on Dec 7, 2008 at 01:24 PM
Come on people, stand up for what you believe in! Just because a few want to put their tail between their legs and take "whatever"! It doesn't sound like you guys are asking for much.If the board is gonna take, they should as least give a little more. Or did they give it all to themselves????????
Posted by: furious parent on Dec 6, 2008 at 09:23 PM
I'll tell you right now, my child will NOT ride the bus if you bring in replacements, It would be a very big liability for the school board to hire replacements that may not be qualified!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Anonymous on Dec 6, 2008 at 09:17 PM
Some of you people are acting like we are asking for the world, all that we are asking is for a little to cover our insurance. nothing more.. Yeah the administration got a 3% raise, but 3% of $60k, is a whole lot more than 3% of $16k, which is about the average of most.
Posted by: Tax Payer on Dec 6, 2008 at 09:10 PM
The school board is not stupid enough to go pay for 60 fbi and bci background checks, and not know if the union members are even going to strike or not, somebody will have to explain all the waste of our tax payers dollars if they do. The board members need to think about this when comes time for them to get re-elected..
Posted by: concerned parent on Dec 6, 2008 at 09:03 PM
Most of these board members, has been union workers, and some still are, do you think they would stand up for whats right?? There's alot of union workers in northwest district, and if they strike my child WILL NOT go to school, because I will not cross a picket line, and alot of other parent wont either, the school board needs to do whats right.
Posted by: Praying Pastor on Dec 6, 2008 at 08:34 AM
The possibilities for a strike are real, but consider the Board of Northwest has already anticipated such actions.Don't you think motions are already in order to cover your jobs? An FBI & BCII check results only take a week. It's been that already!You have much to think about in the next couple weeks. Are you hesitant about purchasing those Christmas gifts for your children, grandchildren? Are you going to postpone that surgery you need? Do you have enough money saved to carry you over, and last question; are you reading the want ads? I will be praying for those to make the correct decisions.
Posted by: Union construction worker on Dec 5, 2008 at 10:22 PM
One thing I found out a long time ago,is if you don't stand up for your self no one else is going to.Not everyone is going to follow like blind sheep,for a company.Although some people on here sound that way.Fight for what you need!!!
Posted by: Cry Baby on Dec 5, 2008 at 04:12 PM
My insurance went up in October by over one hundred dollars a month. I did not get a cost of living raise or bonus or any other pay increase. I sucked it up and went to work grateful that my company offers health insurance in this day and age and for being Scioto County. It is hard but without health insurance, it would be even harder. So stop crying and go to work.
Posted by: Bus Driver on Dec 5, 2008 at 11:27 AM
I'm more than thankful I have my job. I wish some would look at the news. Hello! Our Federal goverment has already declared us in a recession. Things are not going to get any better. Stop being like children on the play ground and wanting the bigger toy.All the facts were not layed out to us and I think we were misrepresented. It's not about you getting what you want w/your name in print, we pay you(union rep #376) to work for us not yourselves.Now get down to business and HELP us.Most of us DO NOT want to strike. My fellow workers STAND and be counted, don't tuck your tail and hide.3% of a $1300 is a whole lots less than 100%. Please look @ the whole picture before you decide. Once you vote to strike you CAN NOT take it back. And everything you loose, it's gone.Do you want to start all over again w/ min wage. Any raise is good,and as long as we make minimal conessions on insurance, we made a good choice.Remember our state is in a 7.3 billion $ decifit.
Posted by: Anonymous on Dec 5, 2008 at 09:25 AM
The administration did not get BIG BIG raises. They get their 3%, the same as non teaching and teaching personnel. All their contracts were not reduced in number of work days also, as stated.
Posted by: Anonymous on Dec 5, 2008 at 12:58 AM
As a local 376 member, I could care less about a wage increase, just leave our health Insurance alone. Besides thats what most of us are working for anyway is our health Insurance. I wish I could be like some of you out there just sitting on my lazy rearend, living off people's tax dollars, and getting free health insurance.
Posted by: Tax Payer on Dec 5, 2008 at 12:30 AM
The way the cost of living is, I think that its not to much to ask for ,to get enough raise to cover their insurance, because they have to live on the same wages before the cost of living went up, every thing is going up, but people's wages..
Posted by: Joyce on Dec 4, 2008 at 10:58 PM
These non-teaching personnel should be glad they have a job. If they get an increase in pay that offsets their increase in insurance, that sounds like a plus in this economic recession! If they push it too much, they may be out of a job altogether.
Posted by: bus driver on Dec 4, 2008 at 08:45 PM
WE ARE NOT ASKING FOR A BIG PAY RAISE, WE ARE JUST WANTING ENOUGH TO COVER THE INSURANCE PREMIUM INCREASE..OUR INSURANCE INCREASE IS GOING TO TAKE OUR PAY RAISE PLUS.. SO ACTUALLY WE ARE GETTING A PAY DECREASE. NOT TO MENTION THE ADMINISTRATION ALL GOT THEIR BIG BIG PAY RAISES ALREADY..
Posted by: Anonymous on Dec 4, 2008 at 07:15 PM
I also would love to replace them. It's sickening when there are many other people out of work,laid off,etc and these people are whining about a wage increase. They should be thankful that they even have a job. They could be like the rest of us. Let them get off their lazy rearends quit whining and go back to work or move over and let someone have the jobs who need them.
Posted by: Jobless on Dec 4, 2008 at 05:11 PM
I lost my job (after 15 years with the same company) and these people are complaining about not getting a wage increase? I'd love to replace one of them.
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  • Posted By: redbaron: in response to pablo on comment dated 01/06 - EXCUSE ME!! I do believe FIREFIGHTERS also risk their lives for total strangers and no they are NOT law enforcement!
  • Posted By: omg: I am so sick and tired of hearing how public school teachers are indebted to the public for their salary. Many of you are so freakin nosey that if your neighbor stopped too fast, you'd have to get a crane to remove your head from their rear. I am so tired of this drug test line. Teachers deserve to pee in peace and so do you. Why should teachers be forced to have their personal lives paraded all over the news? That is exactly what would happen. If a typical joe blow got fired from the coal mines for drugs, it wouldn't make front page news. A teacher being fired for drugs would. You people expect teachers to be the mother, father, grandparent, clergyman, counselor, as well as the teacher. You don't do anything with your kids but expect the teacher to fix all the problem you create. Some of them probably need drugs by the time they are done raising your spoiled kids who think the world owes them something on a silver platter. Take your own drug test before you get pregnant.
  • Posted By: Sophie: Re: The student (Hinzman?) being expelled for using foul language after being bullied & beaten on school grounds; you should not have been expelled for expressing your hurt, anger & disgust. You were a victim and did nothing. It is unreasonable to punish the victim - so what if he cussed - I'd cuss too if someone beat the beegeebers out of me. The kid who beat you should receive jail time & counciling; the kid who filmed you & released it on U-Tube should too. It has often been said that television is desensitizing our children so badly they have no empathy for others. This is a prime example. I hope the school board will have enough common sense to clear this victims school record of the incident as he should not have been expelled, and get him counciling also as such a trauma will surly have an effect on a young life.
  • Posted By: Boyd: Any one who is employed and gets paid by the general public, us, should have no problem taking urine tests. After all they are in the pubic debt for paying them for their work. Its simple NO TEST, NO JOB. This is not an attempt to violate rights, it is an attempt to enforce the publics right for federal, state and municipal employees who can be TRUSTED.
  • Posted By: George: As a parent I have no problem being drug tested. I'll stand in line right behind Katy.
  • Posted By: goodorbad: I look at it like this-if you dont have anything to hide, shut up and do the test!
  • Posted By: Rick: I think all teachers should be drug tested, I drive a transit bus for our county and I want the public to know I am drug free and teachers should want everyone to know the same, that their children are not in the care of people on drugs,if you have nothing to hide why object to random testing I know I don't
  • Posted By: Tea: I can't even imagine that our teachers have not been drug tested up until this time. Anyone who refuses should be fired. These are our children!!! People take drug test when they don't even work with people, let alone children. These are government jobs and we should have a say in what they have to do.
  • Posted By: Ari: Cheers to Rob-I feel ya!
  • Posted By: joe: I have worked for companies all over this nation and have had to take drug tests. Why should teachers be exempt from this practice? It is now common to be randomly tested(and I have been) so what makes a teacher any different than a steel worker. I can say proudly that I passed but I have seen those who didn't. They chose to use drugs and lost their jobs I didn't.
  • Posted By: Katy: As a teacher, I have no problem being randomly drug tested...as long as you agree to drug test the parents who enter the doors of my school as well. Most teachers deal with students who are exposed to/use more drugs and alcohol than any of the teachers. If these students or parents who are using drugs (and are not drug tested) enter our schools, the safety of the teachers and students are at risk. Since children spend more time with them, let's randomly drug test PARENTS, too!!!
  • Posted By: stephen: Why the heavy emphasis ont he damage to property and life Israel is doing . Where was the media uproar for years that Hamas was rocketing Israel irespective of innocent israelis.. Hamas is actualykilling their own citizens by firing rockets from UN schools and residents. Why does UN allow Hamas to use facilities for attacking Israel, then complain when Israel responds to protect their territory and citizens. Israel targets military targets, respons to from whence rockets or gun fire comes. What would we fire at if Huntington was attacked?Why does the media not put bla,e where balame belongs, and give moral support to the aggreived.What would America do if attacked? to whom would we listen? Russia, Saudi Arabia,Iran?.Media get REAL! Who has given Hamas and the Palestinians millions with which they could buy weapons---American taxpayers money!
  • Posted By: Robert: Although I feel for the employees that lost their positions at Cabell Huntington Hospital, at least more nurses were hired. I recently had a relative in the cardiac unit at Kings Daughters, in Ashland, and I was told that the nursing staff had been cut back and that no overtime was being given. This seems to be a drastic cut in patient care for a facility that spends thousands advertising that they are in the top 5% of cardiac hospitals in the country. I would be willing to wager that the Cleveland Clinic has not cut hours of those giving patient care.
  • Posted By: Boyd: If the state's budget is doing so well, why don't we use some of this money to help towns and cities in the state who are in trouble with their budget, or will this just become another pay raise for politicians?
  • Posted By: Rob: Why does everyone have to be so into using the term "racist" and have that kind of attitude. I know what my heritage is and who my ancestors were but you want to know what I consider myself? I AM AN AMERICAN! I was born and raised in this country and that's how I feel it should be. Born here, raised here.....then by God you are an American. Not an African American, not an Asian American etc. etc. You are an AMERICAN!
  • Posted By: Chris: To Ex-Officer: I agree with you 100% about the pay of police dept and the drug testing. I was formerly involved with the BCPD and had multiple ride alongs with the BCSO. I am probably one of their biggest critics due to having watch some of the bad side of the department for a long time. I wish that I could tell everything that I have seen officers do,which would put most of them behind bars or they'll lose their sheild, But retalliation is bad in our area. To the cops that do their job and do it with the best intentions, I proud of you and don't mean any disrespect. To the ones who I personally watch being more currupt then the "badguys" here,your day will be coming.
  • Posted By: Pablo: Teachers aren't the only ones underpaid. Law enforcement officers are underpaid also. And I'd like to speak about them. For example, I'm sure any parent would sacrifice their live for thier children. And several may give thier live to save their spouse. A few individuals may even do it for a close friend. But, I only know of 3 types of beings who will sacrifice thier lives for complete strangers; indeed even for people who hate them. The first would be our men and women in our armed forces. The second would be our law enforcement officers. And of course, third would be our Savior, Jesus Christ. Others are killed in the line of their employment, but not in order to save a complete stranger. Everytime a cop puts on his/her uniform, they can be a target for anyone upset about something. Even though it doesn't involve the cop personally, that very cop will give his life to save yours when a problem arises. We need to give our cops not only a wage, but a living wage and a great big THANKS.
  • Posted By: Craig: If what I am hearing is correct that Kanawha County teachers accepted a pay raise in return for submitting to drug testing, and then sued successfully so they do not have to be subject to testing, then why shouldn't we the taxpayers demand they return the raise?
  • Posted By: teresa: racist lmao i am one cherokee,german,irish,german,and who knows what else TIRED of hearing of racist comments u are either GOOD OR BAD k no skin color needed just evil or NOT
  • Posted By: Ex-Officer: I agree with Robert 100% I worked in law enforcement and loved the job but try to rise a family on less than 10.00 an hour (out of that pay for your own duty gear and gun). I believe that all public safety workers should be drug tested but i also believe that they should be paid for the job that they do. Not many people understand what a public safty worker goes through. Would you put your life on the line for this kind of pay? Remember the saying that you get what you pay for. I see this in several new officers in my area. Don't get me wrong there are still very good officers in law enforcement. Something really needs to be done about the low pay for these jobs.
  • Posted By: Garland: What's the difference between teachers and other workers(coal mineers, bus drivers, state employees,etc.)? Teachers aren't any better are they?
  • Posted By: : This is not a comment, but I would like comments on it please. What do you think of Poca High School? Racist or not?
  • Posted By: Robert: We the people, through our own self centeredness and apathy, have allowed our teachers and police officials to be some of the most underpaid people in the United States. We are trusting our childrens education and our public safety to the very people that are some of the most underpaid profesions in the U.S.. If I could change this, I would. However, I do believe that these people should be randomly drug tested. I work in the construction industry and I have no problem being drug tested. I have nothing to hide. I also believe that any person who is intrusted with the safety of others should have nothing to hide. This includes plitical officials up to and including the president.
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