PSTA was very clear in informing the district that we would not go back to the table after settling the 08-09 negotiations in June 2009, until several things occurred. (The district completely understood our position) First, we need to train new members of our negotiations team (1 week in August) and second, we are waiting until the state passes a budget so that we can be guaranteed that our work will not be undone by future additional cuts from the state. I was not aware of the steps involved in negotiations until I attended an in depth CTA training during the summer. There are several steps, which need to be followed of which many of you may not be aware. First, both side need to 'sunshine' or bring in to the light, just what specific items they wish to discuss in negotiations. Currently we have a 3-year contract. That means that during these 3 years, each side (district and PSTA) can only talk about 3 articles each of the contract (a total of 6) . These 3 articles are of our choosing and are in addition to wages and benefits, which are always open. Usually, the district is not anxious to get to the bargaining table. However, they have already sunshined that they would like to talk about hours of the workday (which include preps). Once we are at the bargaining table, both side present their proposals and give and take begins. We need each of you to understand that the districts across the state have been advised to: get to the table as quickly as possible.
declare impasse as quickly as possible and
present their Last, Best and Final offer.
Declaring impasse means that both sides are unable to reach and agreement and among others things an arbitrator is brought it. This can be a costly and negative process. The arbitration is not biding so the district is not forced to follow the recommendations. If they present their last, best and final offer, PSTA is forced to accept it. For obvious reasons, PSTA does not want to our members in this situation. When we go to the table we will be ready to bargain in good faith, but given the economic conditions and the advice the district has been given, we are a bit reticent to rush to the table. To put this in context, a normal bargaining year for us has been one that continues into the following school year before settlement is finally reached. PSTA is typically the first to sunshine very often in October and then we wait until February for the district to present their sunshine list. The situation is flipped this year. We have not pressured the district in years passed to rush to the table and at this point they have not pressured us. I hope his clarifies the process for you. It can be confusing and is further complicated by the highly emotionally charged situation we find ourselves in with the Reduction in Force notices. Thank you for your patience and trust you have given PTSA. |