Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1500904
I N O A K L A N D , public schools are the hubs of communities. They are centers of enrichment, belonging, engagement and safe spaces for our families. Educators are invested in their students' overall well-being, which includes mental health support and access to resources that help them thrive in and out of the classroom. In preparation for their new contract negotiations, Oakland educators — among the lowest-paid educators in the area and statewide — organized with families and com- munities to demand living wages and develop common good proposals, similar to what occurred recently in Chicago and Los Angeles. Oakland Education Association (OE A) teacher leaders along with parents and com- munity members knocked on the doors of and called 8,000 families and held meetings at schools. ey worked with families to iden- tify shared decision-making in community schools, safe schools, support for Black thriving community schools (schools with 40% or more Black students) and housing for unhoused students as top priorities. ese became OEA's "common good" proposals at the bargaining table. " The fight wasn't just about teachers being able to earn enough to put a roof over their heads in high-priced Oakland," said OEA President Ismael Armendariz. "The fight was also about students and their families having a roof over their heads and a more holistic approach to meeting our students' needs." Negotiations with Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) began in October of last year. OEA bargained with an expansive team of more than 50 educators from almost every school in the district. e team engaged in a fully trans- parent and open bargain — sharing proposals with the community on the website, sending daily emails and text blasts to all members. (is was the first time OEA had a such a large team; it hopes to expand it so that every site is represented next time.) OU SD di stri ct admini strators d em on- strat ed bad-faith n egoti ation tactics for months. Negotiators didn't show up to ses- sions, canceled late, and when they did arrive, they were often severely underprepared to bargain. On May 1, International Workers Day, OEA announced an Unfair Labor Practice Strike to demand the district negotiate in A Win for the Community Oakland educators' victory for the 'common good' By Gabriella Landeros OEA's bargaining team, led by Vilma Serrano and Timothy Douglas (seated with pens), signing their historic agreement at 3 a.m. "It was so empowering to have families and the community behind us [all] seven days we were on strike." —SAMIA KHAT TAB, OEA bargaining team member OEA President Ismael Armendariz, left, with OEA member Olivia Udovic. Credit: Brooke Anderson 30 cta.org Advocacy