Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1103796
Dublin: Educators authorize strike as talks crawl The Dublin Teachers Asso- ciation said enough to management's stall tactics and authorized a strike if Dublin Unified School District isn't willing to provide the resources and learning conditions their students deserve. In a show of unity, DTA members voted by 98 percent to strike if necessary. DTA says district management can afford their student-centered proposal, which includes man- ageable class size caps, better staffing ratios for counselors, nurses and speech-language pathologists, collaboratively developed site plans for providing instruction, and com- pensation that will attract and retain the best educators. "We want a contract that honors our students' needs and provides them with the best resources so they have opportunities to succeed," says DTA President Roberta "Robbie" Kreitz. "If DUSD management and trustees are serious about what's best for students and making students a priority, we'd have settled this contract in less than a week. Our students deserve better." College of the Canyons: Agreement reached The College of the Canyons Faculty Association won a fair contract after taking to the streets to stand together for respect and equity. The victory came after lengthy negotiations that required the assistance of a state-appointed mediator. COCFA members orga- nized and mobilized to demand professional salaries that show the Santa Clarita Community College District values their work. They held informational pickets and packed board meetings with neon green shirts to show their unity and com- mitment to the struggle. Details of the agreement were not available as of press time. Orange County: Marathon negotiations succeed Orange County Schools Educa- tors Association members stood together and won a two-year agree- ment that addresses their rising health care costs. After 14 hours with a state medi- ator, OCSEA reached an agreement that provides relief from a 146 per- cent increase in health care benefit costs that was unilaterally imposed by the Orange County Department of Education last year. The contract also provides a 3.5 percent pay increase retroactive to last year and 3 percent this year. Fullerton: More support for students The Fullerton Elementary Teachers Association (FETA) won a student- centered contract that adds daily aides to every first- and second-grade classroom. Two additional special education teachers on special assignment (TOSAs) were added to support instructors of students with special needs, along with aides to support speech-language pathologists' caseload work. Members received a 2 percent salary increase retroactive to January, with 1 percent ongoing. FETA negotiators also won a modest increase to health care costs paid by the district. 48 cta.org Advocacy