Arvin Elementary Teachers Association members showed up at the Oct. 23 board meeting with a positive message of unity and support for their bargaining team.

“Nearly half of our members in this small, rural, conservative area showed up because our members understand the value of the Union, and the importance of standing together,” said AETA President Michael Flores-Castaneda. “School board members saw that we were united and serious about wanting our collective bargaining agreement settled so we could focus on teaching and learning.”

The result of this show of unity? A two-year settlement that includes a  4% salary increase this year and 2% next year, fully covered benefits for both years and increases to Dual Immersion stipends. The full contract was not open so there were no other substantive language issues.

Flores-Castaneda gave a shout out to Bargaining Chair Diana Anthony for her leadership in this bargain.

Photos below: Lorena Zuniga, Helen Alvarez and Sylvia Baeza arrive to support their bargaining team. Michael Flores-Castaneda does a “selfie” pose with members John Bullard,  Aubrey Chambers, Rosa Ibarra, Juan Becerra, Alejandra Roman and Elena Medina.