HSTA’s Okabe ‘Extremely Pleased’ With Supreme Court Order

SA: In its ruling today, the high court ordered the state and the state labor board to respond within 20 days to a request by the teachers union for court order that would restore the teachers’ job status prior to the state imposing the contract.

(In other words – right after the election.)

Full Text: Hawaii Supreme Court decision on HSTA request

read … Stalling for 20 days

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Favorable ruling by Supreme Court

From HSTA, October 19, 2012

The following can be attributed to Wil Okabe, president of the Hawaii Teachers Association regarding the ruling today by the Supreme Court.

“Today is a victory for all of Hawaii’s teachers and the students they teach. I am extremely pleased by the ruling today by the State Supreme Court the HSTA’s request for a decision on the motion for interlocutory relief.”

“The sooner we can get to resolution of the dispute between Hawaii’s teachers and the governor regarding a fair contract, the better. This ongoing dispute has been a distraction to Hawaii’s teachers, parents and students. The decision by the court is a step closer to that resolution.”

“We are pleased that the court recognized that the Hawaii Labor Relations Board must respond to HSTA’s request for relief.”

Chronology

June 3, 2011 – Public employer declares impasse in negotiations with HSTA.

June 21, 2011 – Employer decides to unilaterally implement a five percent cut in wages and benefits.

July 8, 2011 – HSTA files a prohibited practice complaint with the Hawaii Labor Relations Board alleging a violation of constitutionally protected collective bargaining rights.

July 18, 2011 – HSTA files a motion for interlocutory relief, enjoining the employer from refusing to meet, and from implementing unilateral changes without good faith bargaining.

July 26, 2011 – HSTA files a motion to shorten the time to hear the motion for interlocutory relief and to expedite resolution of issues before the HLRB.

August 30, 2011 – Evidentiary hearings on the merits of the complaint commence.

May 17, 2012 – final hearing to receive evidence.

June 15, 2012 – HSTA concluded its case before the HLRB.

September 28, 2012 – HSTA files a petition with the Supreme Court to order the HLRB to render its decision.

October 19, 2012 – Supreme Court requires the HLRB to respond within twenty days to HSTA’s motion for interlocutory relief.

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