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- "WEEKEND STAR" FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2001 PERTRL sey They 'cave in' to unions, says Demmers 'Motion to take trustees out of talks fails By Rik Davie Weekend Star A motion to end Durham District School Board trustees' participation in contract negoti- ations with employee groups was defeated after a heated debate at Monday night's board meet- © ing. co Scugog Township trustee Martin Demmers, who launched the motion, said trustees have been poor negotiators in the past. : "Trustees have a history of caving.in," Mr. oe Demmers said. "Trustees have a history: of sell- ing the farm. It's an advantage to the other side (labour groups)." ; Mr. Demmers said that besides not having { the time to sit on negotiating committees, trustees weaken the board's position when they take part in contract talks. « . "The unions know that we (trustees) are the weak link," the first-time trustee said. 'Oshawa Trustee Susan Shetler defended the motion and Mr. Demmers' remarks by suggest- ing, "perhaps what Martin was speaking to is the fact that some trustees are supported by labour groups." : Whitby trustee Doug Ross was stung by Mr. LRemmers' remarks. Rising on a point of person- al privilege he spoke directly to the Sovog EN ' aro 50 ® 4 £ 5 ¥ = A © winner The Oshawa General Hospital Foundation i is back with the Cash For Cancer Lottery. With incredible 1 in 7 odds, it's trustee: "I want to tell trustee Demmers that | take personal offense at his remarks. This board has never sold out, as he puts it," said Mr. Ross. "I take offense because reporters are here writ- ing down statements that are untrue." Mr. Demmers admitted ig that his motion was con- D troversial. emmers "This aE become a contentious issue and | don't think it needs to be," he said. "I just want trustees to look at their schedules and time allowances before they decide on this." In a report to the board, elementary teachers and support staff said they want trustees to take part in bargaining. In a recent interview Shelly Page, president of the secondary school teach- ers' union here, called Mr. Demmers' plan a "relinquishment of trustee duties". Student trustee 'Chris Skinner, from Port Perry High School, also took aim at the motion. "I don't think it's fair to say that trustees don't have the time for this," he said. Pyliops you I be you! your chance to win great prizes and support a great cause. Every ticket purchased helps fund the development of the NEW Durham Regional Cancer Centre. Buy your ticket now for a shot at our Early Bird Prizes. Get your ficket boday! -negotiations. don't have the time. To say that you are not skilled negotiators, well you are negotiating right now (the debate over the motion). "This is just getting dumb and childish in my opinion," Mr. Skinner said. Oshawa trustee Kathleen Hopper announced she would be changing her position and voting to keep trustees involved in labour talks. She said she had received calls from labour groups urging trustees to take part. Another vote for the motion was lost when "Ajax trustee Melinda Crawford abstained from' the vote. The motion went down to defeat by a vote of 6 to 4. After the meeting Mr. Demmers stood by his view that trustees were not equipped, by train- ing or timetable, to negotiate contracts. "The role of trustees has changed," he said. "The time we have we should spend wisely. We should hold staff accountable, we should spend it in schools with our teachers. Historically trustees have not been successful (in negotiations)." Mr. Demmers' motion had c come on the heels of speculation that the province may take over some areas of education employee contract 3 the lucky Fantastic vacations Jor two! Prizes may not be exactly as shown. 160-3800 Sage advice at Richter's on Sunday On Sunday, Feb. 25 at 2 p.m. Richters Herb Farm is presenting a free seminar on Sage for all Seasons with Sandra Henry. Sage's' usefulness covers the complete herbal range ... culi- nary, crafting, medici- nal, cosmgtic, ceremo- nial, hictohical, aromat-. ic and in' landscaping. Sandra will show and discuss the many varieties available, how to grow and when to harvest all while you enjoy sage tea and treats. A good event for the while family. Richters Herb Farm is located at 357 Hwy. 47 For more informa- tion call (905) 640- 6677. A aM SU A Rl op RTA As