HSTA should try mediation

POSTED: 01:30 a.m. HST, Aug 18, 2012

~~<p>The entrance of federal mediators between Hawaii's public teachers union and the state administration would be a logical step in resolving a ridiculously longtime contract dispute. While no contract agreement can be forced by such sessions, federal counseling has been effective in the past. The union should agree to Gov. Neil Abercrombie's proposal to sit at the federal table and end an absurd labor battle.</p>
<p>In a letter to the Hawaii State Teachers Association, Abercrombie said his proposal to utilize the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, which charges no fee, "is not about establishing who is right or who is wrong, but rather to re-engage HSTA in discussions which can lead to a resolution of the issues that separate us."</p>
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The entrance of federal mediators between Hawaii's public teachers union and the state administration would be a logical step in resolving a ridiculously longtime contract dispute. While no contract agreement can be forced by such sessions, federal counseling has been effective in the past. The union should agree to Gov. Neil Abercrombie's proposal to sit at the federal table and end an absurd labor battle.

In a letter to the Hawaii State Teachers Association, Abercrombie said his proposal to utilize the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, which charges no fee, "is not about establishing who is right or who is wrong, but rather to re-engage HSTA in discussions which can lead to a resolution of the issues that separate us." Login for more...