Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1527898
SONOMA VALLEY: Unanimous Strike Authorization Leads to Contract Win Valley of the Moon Teachers Association (VMTA) members were united in their fight for resources for students, winning a tentative agreement at press time. In early September, members voted unanimously to authorize a strike, if necessary, as the local continues mediation with Sonoma Valley Unified School District. "We refuse to accept that our students' educational experience will be defined by cuts. Students deserve more resources today — smaller class sizes, school counselors, nurses and librarians — not less. VMTA is demanding SVUSD put its resources towards the classroom instead of wasting money on consultants and contractors," said VMTA Co-President Laura Hoban. Valley of the Moon members voted unanimously to approve a strike, if necessary. HALF MOON BAY: Educators Win New Contract Hours Before Scheduled Strike Just hours before they were scheduled to go on strike, members of the Cabrillo Unified Teachers Association (CUTA) won a tentative agreement that includes a 6% raise retroactive to July 1, 2023, and $100 per month toward family health care. Since June 30, CUTA educators had been working without a contract and put in the impossible position of choosing between ser ving the families of Half Moon Bay and being able to suppor t their own families. This deal is the culmination of years of tireless effor ts of CUTA members organizing and standing together in solidarity. "For far too long, educators were shouldering the burden of Educators turned out for a picket and rally showing they were strike-ready. no salary increases with the soaring cost of living increases. This deal will put us on a path to ending the educator retention and recruitment crisis and ensure every student has access to a permanent teacher in the classroom," said CUTA President John Carey. " Together, we achieved so much and are excited to be in the classroom with our students, rather than on a picket line." 47 O C T O B E R / N O V E M B E R 2 0 24