Negotiations Process (How)

We are bringing proposals for all three of our units simultaneously. The district proposed instead negotiating the contracts consecutively, moving through Unit A (Educators) first, then Unit B (paras), and finally Unit C (clerks). One of our three goals for negotiations is to obtain more equitable contracts across our units, so we are committed to keeping all three units at the table. The district has not formally agreed to this approach yet, but they did hear our rationale on proposals for all three units.

We are committed to moving negotiations forward. At the last session we offered the district Mondays and non-CTU Wednesdays for negotiation dates; the district responded with three dates. Tonight we extended the time of the existing sessions and scheduled a fifth session.

• #3: March 25th 4-7 pm (previously 4-6 pm) (We’re looking to bring along some silent reps; more information about this below!)
• #4: April 8th 4-7 pm (previously 4-6 pm)
• #5: April 29th 4-7 pm (new session)

Proposals and Topics in Discussion (What)

After restating our commitment to all three units, we got into the rationale behind our various contract proposals. Kathryn Anderson led off by explaining our overarching goals: the working conditions we need to recruit and retain a diverse, highly-qualified workforce, and the learning conditions we need for every student to thrive. She then explained the mechanics behind each contract proposal, while the negotiating team shared the rationale for each of our priority proposals. You can get a look at the proposals and their rationale here. While many of these proposals have a cost, with next year’s proposed budget the district has transitioned remaining ESSER-funded positions onto the general fund, and the increased funding of the Student Opportunity Act is still being phased in for three more years. Our district is in a vacancy crisis, and we can’t afford to wait on establishing competitive and attractive working conditions and benefits.

Next, the district presented some proposals for the educators unit. We’ll share the specifics of management’s proposals when they’ve finished presenting initial proposals; several of theirs don’t yet have numbers or other specifics attached. Their topics were: length of contractual day, sick time and sick bank, the calendar hold for CTU meetings until 6 pm on 1st and 3rd Wednesdays, and the length of the contract. We moved into caucus (private conversations for each team) to come up with any questions about the other team’s proposals and check schedules. Upon return, the district had no questions about our proposals. We had two questions about the district’s and will be following up with a formal request for information (a legal right union’s have to get information necessary for bargaining or enforcing the contract).

Next Steps

As ever, our wins at negotiations for our members and our students are only possible because of the strength of our membership. Here are some ways you can help show support for our contract goals!

• Member Survey: A quick three question survey to inform rationale behind some of our proposals. Please complete as soon as possible at this link.
• School Committee Budget Hearing: Come give public testimony at the hearing on March 14th for next school year’s budget! RSVP here. We’re looking for five speakers district-wide, and at least one person from each school to attend in moral support.
• Silent Representative at Bargaining on 3/25, 4/8, or 4/29: We want to bring even more members into bargaining. Silent reps are members of the union who attend negotiations to observe what is happening at the table. While silent reps won’t give testimony at negotiations (hence the silent), you can share your perspective in caucus (discussions just with union members) and get a closer look at the negotiations process. If you’re able to come, we’ll talk with you about expectations for participation. Again, we’re looking for one member from each school; it’s okay if you can’t stay the entire three hours! You can RSVP for this here!
• Membership Meeting 3/20: 3:15 pm on Zoom; come hear in more depth about the process of negotiations! RSVP here!
• CAT Team! A big thank you to our CAT team members for supporting the organizing work in every building. They’re doing incredible work recruiting for and reminding members about upcoming contract actions, like Red for Ed days! If you’re interested in helping in this way, please get in touch with your building rep!