Week Two Second Day

It is amazing to me how quickly we can be drawn into this process. I found myself as we were going through the mock negotiations that there were things that I just didn't want to give up and it became very personal. I felt as if they were questioning my integrity as a teacher by some of their counters and it took a second to stand aback. For that reason, I feel these mock negotiations are worthwhile and a benefit to us all.
As I have stated before in these blogs, one of the hardest things is to sit back and let the negotiations take place instead of talking when you feel like adding input. There were a couple of times we had side bars or passed notes, but the process to me seems slow since we only have two talking. However, I do understand that rationale.
We were able to get through many of the different parts of the contract in our first meeting. I think the process in class is going well and we are all learning as it is a part of this process. I agree with Sue that we could have more difficulties when it comes to dealing with the insurance and pay. The wording has gone well and both sides have done some giving and taking. OUr head, Neil, and theirs, Guy, have done a very good job to make sure we are on task and dealing with the issues at hand. They have had side bars that have been condusive to our process and we have been able to move forward without a blanket agreement. I look forward to the final day of negotiations and seeing where that leads us.