12 teachers to receive backpay

by Krystal Paco

Guam - It's truly a testament that perseverance pays off, as twelve Agana Heights Elementary School teachers will receive backpay from wages not paid in August 2003.

This follows a unanimous decision made by the Civil Service Commission last night.

Although DOE counsel looked to dismiss the case arguing teachers didn't file in a timely manner, the CSC sided with Attorney Daniel Somerfleck who stated that following the supreme court's decision on the matter, the teachers did in fact meet the 15-day timeframe to file their grievance.

"I think that its time the Legislature step in and put an end to this for all the teachers. Pass a law that says if you didn't get paid for this period of time here's the appropriation we want to pay you," he said.

This case dates back to 2003 when the Guam Education Board pushed back the start of the school year.

Although the Guam Federation of Teachers attempted to fight for what they deemed a furlough, they called it quits following the Supreme Court's decision.