Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1527898
" W E A L L H A D the same struggles, but we just weren't say- ing them together," says Martha Duran, president of the newly formed New Jerusalem United (NJU) — representing paraeduca- tors at the one-school New Jerusalem School District. "Because we had similar problems, we realized our voices were stronger together." Inspired by their credentialed colleagues in New Jerusalem Educators Association (NJEA), the previously unrepresented educa- tion support professionals at New Jerusalem Elementary School organized late last year, collecting signatures and filing for recogni- tion in January — the first new CTA local union in San Joaquin County in decades. ey immediately started bargaining and the united members of NJU won their first-ever contract in March. "It was very empowering to bargain our own contract," says Duran, a paraeducator. "We were able to voice our truth and the only option was to be heard." NJU's first bargain was an amazing success — with members winning life-changing victories, including pay raises of up to 18%, a six-month probationary period and a move from hourly pay to salaries. Members say the difference between last year without a union and this year with one is substantial. " We w e re f r u s t ra t e d , o v e r w h e l m e d , unseen and unheard, then we were nervous and intimidated and then it was empower- ing," Duran says. "We knew we were making a difference with our district, but we didn't know how much it would be different. Not that we've never been told we were import- ant, but this year they're definitely making us feel that way." NJEA members supported NJU's organizing efforts and have been their biggest allies throughout the process. NJEA President Miriam Patterson started as a paraeducator in New Jerusalem before earning her teaching credential, which gave her firsthand Two CTA locals, one focus: New Jerusalem United and New Jerusalem Educators Assn. members. United, We Are Strong New Jerusalem paraeducators organize and win their union By Julian Peeples "It was very empowering to bargain our own contract. We were able to voice our truth and the only option was to be heard." —NJU President Martha Duran 42 cta.org Advocacy