Alameda Education Association members had a fruitless Jan. 30 session with a state mediator over their proposals for raises and better benefits — proposals which merely match what the superintendent received. The dispute was then certified to be heard by a neutral fact-finder under state law soon. The fact-finder will offer a non-binding resolution of the bargaining impasse in Alameda Unified School District, which continues to keep millions in reserves rather than invest in its educators.
Alum Rock Educators Association members in San Jose have been bargaining a successor collective bargaining agreement for over a year. The battle so far has included AREA winning a favorable Public Employment Relations Board settlement of an unfair labor practice charge over the district illegally recording bargaining sessions without the union’s knowledge. While AREA members have had no raises for several years, the superintendent recently received a $4,000 raise and some administrators received dubious longevity stipends.
Blochman Teachers Association in Santa Maria won a new salary schedule structure that increases pay 2 to 13 percent depending on where members are on the schedule, and adds more pay for additional credits and a master’s degree.
Burbank Teachers Association members ratified a tentative agreement in December that includes restoration language and no permanent cuts.
Family Partnership Charter Teachers Association in San Luis Obispo County settled an unfair labor practice complaint against their employer by negotiating a continuation of step and column increases and retroactive pay, and incorporated part-time unit members into their bargaining unit and contract.
Glendale Teachers Association reached a tentative agreement Jan. 12, which rescinds two furlough days for this school year and postpones one until next school year.
Peabody Charter Education Association in Santa Barbara settled for a 2 percent salary increase retroactive to July 1, 2011.
San Jose Teachers Association and the San Jose Unified School District have begun a fundamentally different bargaining process. The approach is a collaborative and constructive partnership which will focus on the profession and professionalism of teachers. Both parties agree that successful interaction between teachers and students in the classroom is paramount.
Tahoe Truckee Education Association is working to see that the district makes cuts in non-classroom areas before considering any concessions. Teachers took five furlough days last year and are resolved not to take any further cuts this year, especially when the district has a healthy 24 percent reserve. TTEA expects to reach out to parents and the community in an effort to tell their story.
Tehachapi Association of Teachers negotiated the restoration of four furlough days and pay.
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