First Crack In the Dike?

Ignoring the counsel of NJEA executives, the West Essex Education Association has just voted 133-7 for a wage freeze, reports the Star-Ledger.

The school district has four unions and three of the four have contracts that expire in June. The remaining union comprising custodians has one more year in a previously-negotiated contract but representatives agreed to waive the promised 4% pay increase. In exchange for concessions, teachers will work one less day per year and can leave early on specific days.

There will be no lay-offs in West Essex because the wage freezes will save the district $700,000.