Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/939681
DERIAL MCCAW Riverbend K-8 School Yuba City Teachers Association Yuba City Teachers Association members went on strike last September, as the school district struggled with high teacher turnover because of large class size and lower comparable pay. After a week on the picket line, YCTA's negotiating team hammered out an agreement with the district granting educators pay raises over three years. McCaw, on the bargain- ing team that helped resolve the crisis, says it was natural for him as a science teacher to play the role of "realist" during tense meetings that sometimes lasted until morning. I joined my chapter's bargaining team six years ago… because I saw stuff that needed attention, and felt that I should be active instead of complaining. Making positive changes for teachers directly impacts stu- dents in a positive way, by allowing us to attract and retain good teachers. Being on a bargaining team… requires the ability to come up with creative solu- tions, work as a team, and discover through research whether the other side is being transparent. It puts a demand on your time, which can be challenging when you have a family. But it's worth it. Members of our team… are proud and honored that we were able to make changes that improve working conditions for our members — as well as future members. NGOZIKA ANYANWU Hudnall Elementary School Inglewood Teachers Association The fifth-grade teacher joined the bargaining team two years ago after being encouraged by colleagues to become more active. In February 2016, her chap- ter ratified a contract, and it was an epic moment, Anyanwu recalls, as before then employees had been working without a contract for seven years. That's because the Inglewood Unified School District has been in state receivership since 2012 to avoid fiscal insolvency. Last year, team members met sev- eral times to discuss challenges the district faces, including high teacher turnover and a revolving door of leadership. A union contract is important because… it spells everything out, and if something happens that goes against the contract, you can hold people's feet to the fire and say no, it stops right here. It is an incredibly powerful tool that we need to value, because there are people trying to take collective bar- gaining rights away in this country. Good traits for someone on a bargaining team… are patience and keeping an eye on the prize. You must communicate well, be open and flexible. You have to be able to connect with your members so you know what they want. We are constantly doing surveys, site visits, and asking members about their priorities. I would encourage someone to be part of their bar - gaining team… because it allows you to be part of the positive change that impacts every person in your chapter. It wasn't an immediate yes for me, because I have two small children. But I'm happy I joined. I have gained so much from being part of the process. 60 cta.org CTA & You