Bargaining Update for September 23rd

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