Joint Statement by HSTA and State on Federal Mediation

Press Release

On August 14, 2012, Governor Neil Abercrombie sent a letter to the Hawai'i State Teachers Association (HSTA) President Mr. Wil Okabe inviting the teachers' union to engage the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Services. Governor Abercrombie said that the invitation "is not about establishing who is right or who is wrong, but rather to re-engage HSTA in discussions which can lead to a resolution of the issues that separate us."

This evening the HSTA Board of Directors voted to agree to pursue seeking the help of the Federal Mediator. The Federal Mediator provides mediation and conciliation services.

Governor Abercrombie stated:

"I am very pleased that the HSTA leadership has agreed to use the services of the Federal Mediator. This is a step forward, by both sides, to find a solution that will resolve our differences for the sake of our students and school teachers."

Mr. Okabe stated:

"We would like to announce that our Negotiations Committee and the HSTA Board of Directors have agreed to the Governor's recommendation to enter into federal mediation in an attempt to resolve the current contract dispute. We look forward to beginning the mediation process as soon as possible."

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