URGENT NOTICE FROM THE APEA
TO: ALL 12-MONTH MEMBERS OF APEA
FROM: JOHN NAPOLITANI, PRESIDENT
RE: MR. COWELL CORRESPONDENCE – SUMMER HOURS
DATE: JUNE 26, 2009
You are all in receipt of the Mark Cowell version of what occurred pertaining to the summer hours, which were on again then off again due to APEA leadership.
His intentions are very clear – “that he has tried to come to an agreement with the leadership of the APEA only to be told – no way.” This is a pure falsehood and this is why we are at mediation in negotiations with the Board.
The issue of summer hours was arrived at last year for a one-year agreement. This was made completely known to Mr. Cowell last year, this year, in writing, and in meetings with him. Yet he never responded. The only summer hours schedule within our contract, Article XV, has been in the contract for over 25 years, and is only for secretaries and not anyone else.
Mr. Cowell is the same person who cut 62 members’ positions within the district and the same monitor who abolished the cafeteria unit, parent liaisons, technology coordinators and has made it perfectly clear that other units will follow, such as custodians, maintenance, and security guards. Mr. Cowell’s only role in this district is to divide and conquer, pit member against member, and dissolve this Association until we will be at each other.
That is his intent and goal and not to offer any member benefit. We are being advised fully by the NJEA, as Mr. Cowell is now union busting. We are fully aware that people have made arrangements for their summer schedule; therefore, this will be added to the Unfair Labor Practice charge against him.
Pc: Michael Zajac, Recording Secretary
Sue Hayes-Stasio, PR&R Chair
Ron Villano, Uniserv Representative
Steve Hunter, Esq.