2010 contract negotiations

The Worcester Public Schools' teachers contract is up for renewal this coming year, and from glance at tomorrow night's City Council agenda it looks like negotiations have now officially gotten under way:
11a:
That the City Council of the City of Worcester hereby supports the City Manager in seeking 0% increases in the FY2010 collective bargaining contracts; and be it further resolved that the City Council supports the City Manager in seeking the previously detailed 75/25 contribution rate and the co-pay changes.(Lukes)


UPDATE: It's been pointed out, rightly, that the City Council does not negotiate the teachers' contract. This is technically correct; it is negotiated by the School Committee. However, it is not done in a vacuum. And let's remember where the money comes from!