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Monday, September 23 marked the continuation of our negotiations with the school district. Currently working without a contract, there were a healthy amount of members present to support the bargaining team and make it clear to the district that all of REA is watching and waiting for the district to collaborate on a fair contract settlement. Thanks to everyone who came out!
First on the agenda were articles 17 (Substitute and Student Teachers) and 18 (Student Discipline). In both cases, the district and REA agreed to discuss the articles at the table rather than present counters, feeling we had gotten close to an agreement. Due to maintaining the language which allows members to use Article 18 to ensure safety in classrooms and accountability for Admin when students return to class, we were able to tentatively agree to Article 18. The district took a caucus to discuss Article 17 and although they strongly hinted that they would accept our language ensuring members would not be asked to sub more than two days in a week, they needed more time to work on other sections of the article. Finally, our team presented a counter on Article 27 (Class size and caseload), maintaining clear class size and caseload expectations while lowering the amounts of overage pay, in an understanding that realistic ratios – not extra pay – is our real motivation. The district did not have an immediate response. At our next session, on Tuesday October 8th, the district intends to bring a counter to Article 17 as well as a counter to their so-called “package” (which is essentially the majority of the remaining articles). This would include counters on Article 27, 22 (compensation) and 23 (insurance). We can’t overstate how important it is that members come out and use their voice to make sure the district knows how important these issues are. We hope to see you there, The Bargaining Team Hello REA and welcome back!
As we begin the new school year, we want you to know that your bargaining team continues to work hard to ensure our members receive a fair contract which values your hard work and the dedication you show to your students, schools and community. Though we are in our second year of bargaining and currently working under the previous contract, we do not feel it is in our members best interest to rush towards an outcome if that means leaving us with fewer supports, overwhelming class sizes and caseloads, a lack of necessary prep time, less insurance, less sick leave and personal days, and less compensation than we need to support our own families during this time of rising inflation. We intend to stay the course and fight for the contract our members deserve! The team met with the district last week and discussed next steps, establishing a schedule for the upcoming months. In order to ensure that the process is clear to our members, we are including a summary of which articles remain open and a schedule of future bargaining dates, both of which are below. Attached to this email is a survey. Please fill it out to help us get feedback on where you stand on the remaining issues. In the coming weeks, we will have posters in each building describing bargaining timelines and where we currently are in the process, as well as planning some actions over social media for members who want to get involved. During the coming months, expect to hear important information from your building reps as well as directly from the team. Following REA on social media can help keep you up to date on what’s going on. And, as always, if you have questions, you can contact us directly. Remember, we are in this together! In solidarity, Brian Jay Bargaining Chair [email protected] [email protected] Open Articles Article 7: Teacher Work Year Article 9 : Teaching Hours Article 14: Leave of Absence Article 17: Substitute and Student Teachers Article 18: Student Discipline Article 22: Compensation Article 23: Fringe benefits Article 27 : Class Size and Caseload Article 30: Duration of Contract + Appendices related to open articles, especially Appendix A (Salary Index) Bargaining Schedule All evening bargaining dates are open to the public and will be held at the RHS library from 4:30-8:30. The daytime bargaining session will be closed to the public. Evening Sessions Monday 9/23 Tuesday 10/8 and 10/15 Tuesday 11/12 Tuesday 12/3 Daytime Session Tuesday 10/29 |
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September 2024
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