Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1259894
within 48 hours, while administration would often take as long as five days, he says. And then the district released a distance learning plan without any input from WETA educators, prompt- ing a cease-and-desist letter from Vogel. Even then, he says, district admini stration didn't seem to understand they needed to work with educators. " We thou g ht we were goin g to have to organi ze by initiat- ing talks with the school board," Vogel says. "Just when we thought it was time, the district indicated an interest in coming to a much-needed agreement." One happy ending But not all negotiations went south. Orcutt Educators Asso- ciation (OEA) was organizing for a big contract fight after 10 negotiation sessions led to the declaration of impasse earlier this year. More than 100 members attended a school board meeting on March 10 to show that educators were united in their struggle. "And then March 13 came and everything stopped," says OEA President Monique Segura. " We had a 2.5 percent on-sched- ule raise on the table from the district. We literally settled our contract the next week and were able to get class size cap language for kindergarten classes." Segura mar vels at the quick change in direction by district administration. Only eight weeks after declaring impasse, the two si d e s w orked togeth er ami ca- bly to address distance learning and other COVID-related issues. Segura credits the district's flexi- bility and willingness to partner with educators. "I am hopeful that this continues with our new superinten- dent," Segura says. "ere's going to be lots of bargaining. Health and safety issues, working hours and conditions — some of us are working 18-hour days, and we need some balance. ere are a lot of moving parts!" Michelle Orgon Monique Segura Advice for bargaining COVID- related issues " There will be trying times ahead. Be persistent and don't give up, because your members are depending on you. Decide your priorities, what is worth fighting for and what you can do without. Once you come to those decisions, be firm, but at the same time be willing to allow for some flexibility to have the necessary language that your members require during these difficult times." — ALEX VOGEL, Whittier Elementary Teachers Association " Don't give up, no matter what! It is our job to provide added protections for our teachers and make sure that their rights are taken seriously. We also need to be a voice to those members who are afraid to voice their opinions to their districts with regard to their safety and protection. Also, keep advocating for your teachers to have a vote or be part of any decision about what programs your district is planning for the future. Make your voices heard!" — K ATIE COPP, Modoc Teachers Association " You really have to look at the greater good, which is our future and our children. Reach out an olive branch and work together with your district. Try to think outside the box when it comes to your students. It will benefit you as well." — MONIQUE SEGUR A, Orcutt Educators Association " Take a step back and breathe. This is all new to everyone. Hold your ground as best as possible in negotiations. It's going to be a lot of work, but lock arms and march together as a group toward what's best for our members, students and community." — MICHELLE ORGON, Lodi Education Association 38 cta.org feature C O V I D - 1 9