Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1539593
SOUTH BAY: Southwest teachers ramp up organizing in impasse Southwest Teachers Assn. is at impasse with South Bay Union School District after months of bargaining with little movement on wages. In spring, SWTA won a tentative agreement on health benefits, increasing the district's contribution by $1,000. SWTA and the district have made movement on most other articles but remain far apart on wages. This despite the district's massive reserves. "SBUSD has amassed $42.6 million in unrestricted reserves — it's unethical and irresponsible to hoard money earmarked for our students," says SWTA President Vanessa Barrera. " The school board must demonstrate the will to provide our South Bay students with the same high-quality education as their peers in neigh- boring districts by offering competitive wages and benefits that will attract and retain the dedicated professionals our students deserve." SWTA is determined to secure a fair deal that respects both their work and the needs of their students. Members are actively organizing to support their bargaining team, working to rule every Wednesday and wearing black to show solidarity — with rallies planned outside a board meeting and mediation session in September. "Between the increase in out-of-pocket health care, bills, rent, gas, childcare and lack of wage increase, I am starting to question whether I need a second job or even reconsider my profession," says SWTA member Liz Melendez, a third- grade dual language teacher. "I'm in the teaching field because it is my passion, not because of the pay, but how much humiliation do we need to tolerate when we have to consider a second job? We're professionals who work from a place of passion, and we deserve to be treated as such with a fair raise." Stay informed about SWTA's struggle on Facebook at @SouthwestTeachersAssociation. PLACER COUNTY: Huge victory nets back pay for educators Powered by the solidarity of members, Placer Assn. of Credentialed Educators reached an agreement with Placer County Office of Education that will greatly improve members' retirement security. All members will now qualify for a 10% longevity salary increase at 15 years of service and 15% at 25 years. Additionally, all current retirees and those retiring soon will no longer face drastic reductions in their defined benefit payments due to a lowered highest salary calculation. This win resulted in nearly $300,000 in back longevity payments — with individual checks ranging from a few thousand dollars to almost $60,000 for about half of PACE's 50+ members. The success has energized PACE members and demonstrated the power of their collective action. MT. DIABLO: Impasse declared, educators organizing to strike Mt. Diablo Education Assn. members are preparing to strike after declaring impasse in April when school district administration made a low-ball offer that failed to keep up with inflation. Mediation between MDEA and the district started in June. MDEA is continuing organizing efforts, including escalating member actions and building up for a strike. MDEA members are currently working without a contract. Stay current with their struggle on Facebook at @OurMDEA. 43 S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 5