One union rejects MRDD contract offer

AUSTINTOWN — Members of the 144-member Mahoning Education Association of Developmental Disabilities overwhelmingly rejected a contract offer Wednesday night.

The union represents teachers, workshop specialists, teachers aides, secretaries and case workers employed by the Mahoning County Board of Mental Retardation Developmental Disabilities.

The offer MEADD was considering was called the board’s “comprehensive best offer” on economic issues such as wages and benefits, Superintendent Larry Duck said.

Karma Minkevitz, MEADD spokeswoman, said the membership also unanimously instructed the bargaining team to return to the negotiating table. Any new negotiations are up to a federal mediator to schedule, she said.

Minkevitz said the rejection was not solely about wages and benefits. “The bottom line is that the board’s offer shows its disregard for working conditions and contains confusing language and changes in terms and work conditions.”

Read more in Thursday’s Vindicator and vindy.com