Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1449741
LOS GATOS-SARATOGA: Highest increases in a decade Los Gatos-Saratoga District Teachers Association (DTA) launched an organizing campaign focused on building worker power — and it worked. In December, they ratified an agreement that will increase the salary schedule by 5 percent each year for three years, the largest increases in more than a decade. Educators attended morning walk-in rallies and a board action, and circulated a community petition to organize support for the resources needed to attract and retain quality educators. Their robust efforts won the pay increase as well as health benefits enhancements. DTA teachers are keeping up the pressure on noneconomic issues, organizing around their school communities' needs for improved teaching and learning conditions for all. ALUM ROCK: Organizing for smaller class sizes Alum Rock Education Association (AREA) mem- bers held a candlelight vigil and sang holiday carols with a union twist outside the Alum Rock Union School District office to show the district they are united and urge ARUSD to settle contract nego- tiations. AREA has held three events along with leafleting parents and informational picketing. AREA has been negotiating for smaller class sizes and more resources to stop educator turnover and improve education for a year. At press time, educators were headed to a fact-finding hearing. SAN MARINO: Show of solidarity leads to payments The educators of San Marino Teachers Association took to the sidewalks before and after school to show they were unified in their demand for appropriate compensation. Their solidarity powered the bargain- ing team to win two one-time payments: $3,000 for all members currently working in the district and an additional $2,000 for those who have been employed since January 2021. WASHINGTON COLONY: Pay increases, teacher-driven PD The small but mighty Washington Colony Teachers Association in Fresno won a new contract late last year that provides more than 8 percent in pay increases for 2021 and 2022, as well as a $3,000 one-time retention payment. WCTA also won an increase in the district's health care contribution and contract language regarding teacher-driven professional development. The contract is a big victory for WCTA, which has grown from two members eight years ago to 18 members today. 41 F E B R U A R Y / M A R C H 2 0 2 2