W. Bloomfield District, Teachers Turning To Arbitration

Bargaining teams for the West Bloomfield district and its teachers are waiting for a fact finder to give a recommendation that they hope will help settle a contract dispute.

The old agreement expired at the end of August, and teacher Kevin Walsh says the district is asking for big concessions.

"Right now, they're asking us to take double the pay cut any other union in the state has been asked to take," Walsh told WWJ Newsradio 950.

Assistant Superintendent Rick Arnett, meanwhile, says everyone has to make sacrifices since the district is facing a $1.7 million deficit.

"This board is committed to the programs that we currently have, which keep us competitive in the area," Arnett said.

Both sides expect a decision from the fact finder by December 1.

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