Bargaining Session #3 Update

Thank you for your continued support as we meet with the district to strengthen our contract! Here’s the lowdown on what happened at our March 7th session.

Article 3: Miscellaneous

• ​​REA explained the need to be clear about when action needed to be taken by members in communications from the district using examples from previous forms of insufficient communication from the district (i.e. “Keeping You Informed). 
• The district agreed that this was problematic and proposed putting “Action Required” in the subject line of emails. REA felt this language was appropriate and helpful. 
• RSD countered REA’s proposed language that the district respond to emails/phone calls by members within 24 hours with language proposing the district respond within 5 business days.
  • REA found this unacceptable and countered with language requiring the district to respond within 2 business days.
• This article remains open for discussion at the next bargaining session.
  
  

Article 4: Association Rights and Privileges

• RSD countered REA’s proposed language to hold union 10s at any meeting once per week with language proposing union 10s be held twice per month.
  • REA found this language unacceptable and an attempt to silence the union and countered with our original language of holding a union 10 once per week.
• This article remains open as the district finds that this use of time at meetings is “inefficient” for all parties.
  
  

Article 8: Emergency Closures

• We have set this article aside as both REA and RSD are in agreement around the changes to the language around emergency closures, however, we have not officially “tentatively agreed” to it yet.
  
  

Article 10: Professional Development

• REA gave more context as to why we need to maintain a collaborative nature when developing PD. REA further explained the importance of meeting members' needs in terms of their prior experience and expertise when it comes to developing trainings for staff.
  • RSD agreed to our proposed language of a one hour lunch break during PD/training days.
  • REA agreed to RSD’s proposed language changes around considering prior knowledge and experience when developing professional development and trainings. 
• We have now set this article aside as both REA and RSD are in agreement around the changes to the language around professional development, however, we have not officially “tentatively agreed” to it yet.
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Article 21: Dues and Payroll Deductions

• REA worked collaboratively at the table with RSD on this article. After some discussion, we agreed to doing more research and discussion around ways we can mitigate some of the finance departments challenges  to getting paychecks out on the 20th without changing the date we are paid each month. 
• We will come back to this article at a later bargaining session when we have more information on how to proceed to meet RSD’s needs and maintain our paydate of the 20th each month.
  
  

NEXT SESSION: March 19th in the RHS Library at 5pm.     

• REA is opening Article 5: Employee Rights and Article 9: Teaching Hour.
• ​RSD is also opening Articles 5 and 9 as well as Article 19: Tuition Reimbursement