REA & RSD Held 2nd Bargain Session

On Thursday evening, 4/1/21, REA and RSD held their second full-on bargain session.  The two sides tentatively agreed (TA'd) current language in the unopened articles: preamble, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 20, 21, 24, 25, and 29.  The District presented counters to Article 5 (Employee Rights), Article 8 (Emergency Closure), and Article 19 (Tuition, Project, and/or Workshop Reimbursement).

In Article 5 (Employee rights) the two sides were able to agree on new language in several areas except for paying bilingual teachers for translation of curriculum.  The Association maintains that members who engage in curriculum translation work should be paid at their full hourly rate and not at curriculum rate.   Translation of curriculum is a specialized skill that requires just as much, if not more effort, than any other responsibility members undertake.  Being paid at hourly rate is a matter of respect that REA will continue to ask of the District.  This article has been put aside for future negotiation.

In Article 8 (Emergency Closure) the District and Association were able to each agreement on language that facilitates a rapid and reasonable remedy for situations in which members fell unwell.  If a member feels unwell due to a circumstance or situation in their workplace, the member may speak with their immediate administrative supervisor and mutually agree upon a reasonable remedy (i.e., temporary relocation to another space in the building, seeing a health provider, or going home to recover).  This article is to be TA'd.

In Article 19 (Tuition, Project, and/or Workshop Reimbursement) The District and the Association were able to agree on new language providing clearer guidance and process around tuition reimbursements.  The reimbursement rates were adjusted to the PSU graduate rates for 2021/22, 2022/23, and 2023.24 years.  The sides agreed to expand the definition of approved reimbursement for professional practices and not just instruction.  This gives greater latitude to specialists and others not in a traditional classroom role. The $250 professional organizations option was increased to $300. The new language improves opportunities for domestic travel and related expenses for attending workshops and conferences offered outside of Portland or the state of Oregon.  The District agreed to provide a mechanism for members to quickly and accurately see their available tuition accounts.  The District agreed to provide electronic response to tuition reimbursement requests within 10 working days of the requests.  The District agreed to send a reminder to members about submitting proof of course completion.  The District was unwilling to consider adjusting the tuition voucher program for members who host student teachers and that section (Section C) will remain at current language.  This article is to be TA'd

Next Meeting is scheduled for Thursday at 5:00 on 4/22/21.  The District will bring counters to articles; 7 (Employee Work Year), 18 (Student Discipline, 26 (Student Services), 27 (Class Workload), and 28 (Mentor Program)

In Solidarity!

​Your REA Bargain Team.