September 3, 2009

The OESPA Collaborative Bargaining Leadership Team (CBLT) with representatives from both OESPA and OCPS reached tentative agreement on Wednesday, September 2, 2009 to provide each eligible benefitted classified employee a $500 performance recognition stipend.  The language reads as follows:

OESPA and the District agree to a one time performance recognition stipend in the amount of $500 for the 2008-09 school year.  Only benefitted employees who worked one day more than half their work year during 2008-09 school year are eligible to receive the stipend.  Half-time benefitted employees who are eligible will receive $250.  Final eligibility will be determined by active employment status on October 12, 2009.

This language does have to be voted on by all benefitted classified OCPS employees.  Ballots will be sent out by courier on Thursday, September 17th and must be returned to the OESPA office no later than Monday, October 5th.  If employees ratify the language then eligible employees will receive the money beginning with the October 21st paycheck.

Bargaining for the 2009-2010 year has not begun.  Once all bargaining issues for the 2008-2009 school year have been completed then we can move forward.  The vote on the performance recognition stipend will conclude bargaining for the 2008-2009 school year.

Please check the OESPA website www.oespa.org for updates throughout the year.  Notices of bargaining dates and updates on issues will posted after each session.

If you have any questions, you can e-mail the OESPA President, Bill Humphreys, at bill.humphreys@floridaea.org or call the OESPA office at (407) 299-3313.