Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1522302
I N F E B R U A R Y, the small but mighty McFarland Teachers Association (MTA) successfully bargained a contract with their district that helps retain great teachers, attracts new and experienced teachers, and improves working condi- tions so that educators have the time and resources to do their job. The executive board of MTA, which has approximately 160 members, started their contract campaign in 2023. The local used a series of CTA organizing grants to identify members' key issues, plan strategically, make critical site visits, engage members in one-on-one conversations and formulate a thoughtful plan of action. Specifically, MTA received a site visit grant, which provided release time to conduct a site visit program, and a planning grant, which covered release time/meeting expenses for chapter representatives' full day to work. (The work took place in Spring and Fall 2023, respectively.) MTA President Kim Whealy-Kennemer also received a local presi- dent release time grant in 2023. "I was able to go to every site and meet with members," said Whealy-Kennemer. "I was able to get commitments from members and get a temperature check on how people felt about negotiations — we went to impasse, then fact-finding but were able to reach a fair settlement by returning to a second round of mediation." MTA's organizing plan touched all members, making them McFarland Educators Get Organized With the help of CTA grants, local leaders mobilize members to win a new contract McFarland family and community members and educators picket outside district offices. 15 S U M M E R 2 0 24 Feature