MEDIA RELEASE

In January 2012, members of the Hawaii State Teachers Association voted down a tentative agreement. HSTA presented a new proposal to the State in February; the State made a settlement offer in March.

Wednesday afternoon, HSTA President Wil Okabe informed Gov. Neil Abercrombie that teachers voted on the rejected January agreement in what HSTA called a “ratification vote.”

The results showed that majority of teachers are now in favor of the contract they previously rejected.

Abercrombie released the following statement:

“Now is a good time for HSTA to submit a new proposal for discussion. When HSTA decides to return to collective bargaining, the vote results will be seriously considered. Our team remains prepared to negotiate.

“The end of the school year is fast approaching. We appreciate the work that our teachers have done for student achievement and we look forward to resolving this labor dispute with their union.”