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"No textbooks, no contract." Cayetano slams
teachers for putting
pay raises ahead
of books, suppliesBy Crystal Kua
Star-BulletinThat's the warning given by Gov. Ben Cayetano yesterday as he chastised the Hawaii State Teachers Association for telling state lawmakers that proposals by the Legislature and him to spend more money on computers, textbooks and classroom supplies should instead be used for teacher salaries.
"I'm very disappointed ... the teachers have actually gone out to oppose our request for some basic things like textbooks and purchases of computers and will not agree to it unless they get their pay raise," Cayetano said. "I think it's wrong for educators to hold hostage these basic tools for learning so that they could get more pay."
Cayetano said he hopes the HSTA backs off the position.
Contract talks between the HSTA and state are at an impasse and the union can call for a strike vote at any time.
The HSTA has told lawmakers that any new education spending proposals should be instead used for teacher salaries.
HSTA President Karen Ginoza said that the union doesn't oppose textbooks but teacher salaries and the shortage of teachers in Hawaii are issues so critical that the Legislature should look at ways to fund pay increases.
"If the Legislature is able to do the balancing that they have and put the money in the budget, we'll gladly accept it."
Ginoza said the best place to discuss these matters is at the bargaining table but the union is waiting for the state to set new bargaining dates.
"I wish the governor would sit down with us and talk to us," Ginoza said. "Let's continue to talk and not take extreme views. That is not what we want."
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