Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1546952
Bargaining Roundup Compiled by Julian Peeples Ventura: Educators and ESPs are strike-ready! The united educators and education support professionals of Ventura are ready to strike for the contract they deserve and the services their students need. Ventura Unified Education Association (VUEA) and Ventura Education Support Professionals Association (VESPA) members have been building a movement in their community, hold- ing large rallies and calling on the school district to invest in educators and students. VUEA members are among the lowest paid in the county while VESPA members often work more than one job to make ends meet — even forgoing health benefits because they cannot afford the high monthly premiums. This is why VUEA and VESPA are united in opposing a proposed health benefit cap that would amount to a 7% pay cut for Ventura's dedicated educators. Both locals continue organizing to prepare to strike as the negotiations are in mediation. Keep up on this struggle by following @VUEA Ventura on Facebook. Corona-Norco: Inspiring solidarity powers contract win Corona-Norco Teachers Association (CNTA) won a contract agreement in August that provides an across-the- board pay increase of 4.31% — the first time since 2009 they 've won a raise equal to the state's Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA). CNTA mem- bers also won major improvements in special education/class size with fewer students per class in a number of settings, as well as an increase in the district's contribution to educator health benefits. CNTA members turned out to a mediation session in the heat of July, making district administrators walk past educators holding signs calling for a fair deal. It was a continuation of their successful organizing and mobilizing from last school year, when they held numerous solidarity days in support of their bargaining team. 43 F A L L 2 0 26 A