Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/939681
CHRIS PETERSON Modesto High School Modesto Teachers Association This history teacher has been on MTA's bargaining team since 2009 and has been chair since 2011. Like the historical figures he teaches about, he believes it's important to play a role in shaping policy through public service. MTA's contract expired in June, and bargaining has gone to impasse. Issues include salary and lowering class size. MTA agreed to cuts during lean times, and Peterson says it's important for the district to act in good faith and restore cuts when finances are better, which is why class size is now being addressed. One of the most challenging things… is building consensus. First you have to unify your negotiating team, or you'll never be able to convince the other side. Our unit represents teachers, coun- selors, librarians, speech pathologists, psychologists and more, and it can be a challenge to get everyone on the same page. Then you have to be able to reach across to the other side of the table and convince the district that your goals are in their best interest, too. Communication is very important… and listening is more important than being a great orator, because if you don't know what your mem- bership is asking for, or you don't understand your district's point of view, you will never reach a compro- mise to form a tentative agreement. You must be open and listen to multiple perspectives. That includes helping community members understand that it's not just about us getting the best contract, but doing what is best for our community. Members have been supportive… by wearing green buttons that say they support the bargaining team, and even doing a conga line with drums outside the window during negotiations. It's been a fantastic source of strength! CINDI LUNSFORD Mariposa School of Global Education Las Virgenes Classified Association This special ed paraeducator wanted to be in the loop about things happening in her district, so she joined her chapter 's bargaining team five years ago. While salary is always an issue, this year the team will also focus on safety issues and the pay scale. (There are only five steps, so people working 20 years make as much as those hired five years ago.) Lunsford loves the back and forth of the bargaining process, which she calls a dance to balance the best interests of everyone. She is pleased her district finally purchased "comfortable chairs," because there will be lots of sit- ting during negotiations this year. The first year I sat at the table… I don't think I said three words. I just listened, learned and tried to absorb as much as I could. It 's kind of daunting at first , and sometimes I had abso- lutely no idea what they were talking about. But I acted like I did, and now, of course, I'm no longer intimidated. I love having a voice — and sometimes I have a big one. When you sit at the bargaining table, you must… think before you talk. Don't offer up anything you haven't talked to your colleagues about. You have to be patient. Everybody has to be heard. I find it rewarding… when somebody walks up to me and says, " Thank you for taking the time to represent us." That's a great feeling. 61 F E B R U A R Y / M A R C H 2 018