Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1527898
Bargaining Roundup By Julian Peeples PALMDALE: Teachers Win First-Ever Contract After forming their union in late 2021, Palmdale Aerospace Teachers Associ- ation (PATA) members finally have their first-ever contract. Years of organizing and difficult bargaining led to the historic victory in August, which came at 1 a.m. after a marathon fact-finding session with The Palmdale Aerospace Academy. PATA members had authorized a strike, showing their unity in the fight for their first contract. Highlights of the agreement include a three-year probationary period, after which educators will be deemed per- manent and have due process rights. All permanent employees enjoy contractually stipulated progressive discipline, and there is binding arbitration for griev- ances of contract violations. PATA members received a 6% salary increase on July 1, with an additional 2% on-schedule salary increase in February if the charter school has an unmodified audit and makes its 1.2% bond cov- enant. Members received a one-time, off-salary schedule bonus of $12 ,000 upon the ratification of the agreement. " This is a victory for the entire school community," said PATA lead site representative Daniel Lagomar- sino. " There is no daylight between certificated staff members' working conditions and students' learning conditions. The academy can now turn its attention to fully staffing our vacancies and staff members can turn our full attention to doing what we do best — preparing students for college and the workforce. This effort to unionize has always been about our students first and foremost." Palmdale Aerospace members organized to win a historic victory, winning their first contract after a marathon mediation session. 46 cta.org Advocacy