Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1541528
Labor Notes Since 1979, Labor Notes has been a vital resource for helping union members build power, fight the boss, and grow a more democratic and member-driven labor movement. The media and organizing project publishes a monthly magazine and books, offers news and opinion on its website at labornotes.org, and organizes conferences and workshops to train activists. Visit the website for more information. For details about Labor Notes' "Secrets of a Successful Organizer " training and guidebook, visit labornotes.org/secrets. being progressive and strong. I can't be prouder of not only the executive board, but of our site leaders as well. " We often hear, ' What is the union doing for me?' This training was designed to show that we are the union. The union is every single member in our association. After this training, our school sites have had record showings of members wearing union t-shirts on 'EEEA Tuesdays' and during district leadership visits. "is has already made an impact on negotiations, where everything started out as a 'no'. e tide is already shifting, and we have gained major traction in improving working conditions and fixing decades' worth of step and column gaps that have affected our career earnings." Driven by the power of their site-based organizing, EEEA's bargaining team has already won tentative agreements on a "Leaves" article in the contract that includes: • Six weeks of paid pregnancy leave and six weeks of paid paternity/ adoption leave; • Landmark improvements to the district's Special Education program; • A benefits agreement that not only ensures that the district will shoulder the burden of this year's soaring benefits costs, but will structurally address benefits in the future. EEEA members are committed to continuing to use their sharpened orga- nizing skills to win a fair wage settlement as well. EEEA at-large executive board member Sonya Shaffer. EEEA member leaders trained 30 members of their bargaining team in how to engage members and move them to activism. EEEA treasurer Rocio Hernandez. 43 D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 5