Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1509126
Bargaining Roundup Compiled by Julian Peeples SAUSALITO: Unanimous Vote as Educators Get Strike-Ready The 27 members of Sausalito District Teachers Association (SDTA) are united and ready to strike for a fair contract that attracts and retains the quality educators Sausalito-Marin City students deserve, voting unanimously in September to authorize a strike if necessary. Educators are currently at impasse with Sausalito Marin City School District management after trying to reach a fair settlement since January. SDTA and the district are headed to fact-finding, the final step before a possible strike. SDTA members are working without a contract for the second school year in a row, with the district failing to show it values educators. Also at issue is binding arbitration and pay for additional work per- formed for the district. "Our membership at SDTA is composed of passionate, qual- ified educators who deeply value the Sausalito and Marin City community and students. Our greatest hope is to be pro- vided a fair contract that keeps up with the increases in housing and living costs, and that meets or exceeds what other Marin County school districts provide so that we can attract and retain the best educators for our students," said SDTA Co-President Sean St. Denny. "I'm confident that independent fact-finding will make it clear that it is possible to meet our demands, while still being able to increase district reserves sub- stantially. We urge SMCSD management to negotiate fairly so that we can agree to a contract and continue school without interruption." FRESNO: Strike Vote Scheduled The 4,000 members of Fresno Teachers Association (FTA) will vote on whether to authorize a strike as the union enters the second year of difficult bargaining, with management failing to listen to educators and proposing healthcare contri- bution cuts. FTA has set Oct. 18 for a strike authorization vote, as they continue their fight to reimagine education and pro- vide the services and support all Fresno students deserve. "I know a strike isn't ideal, but it could help us make real changes in our classrooms and all the schools in our district. But for that to happen, we need to stand together or just accept the status quo system and the cuts that the district is proposing," FTA President Manuel Bonilla said in a message to members. "When we come together, we can make big things happen. We have the power to create changes that will make our classrooms and schools even better for everyone." Follow FTA's fight on Facebook at @FresnoTA or at fresnoteachers.org. RIALTO: Agreement Reached After a successful rally in late September, Rialto Education Association reached a settlement with its district. Highlights: Member pay increased 9% on the pay schedule and 1% off the pay schedule (one-time bonus), retroactive to July 1, 2023; Kai- ser benefits were maintained; all non-Kaiser benefits will be charged at the lower CSEA rate. At press time, REA members were anticipating approval of the tentative agreement. 47 O C T O B E R / N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 3 A