Bargaining Update!
After 4 bargaining sessions, the HEA has heard mostly from City Solicitor Bill Cox who began the session by disagreeing with our members’ perception that the School Committee has been disrespectful during these negotiations, despite having heard it for himself on Monday.
- The School Committee’s response to the concerns we’ve raised so far seems to be: “Just trust us.”
- Just before meeting with them, we received a response to our most recent proposal. The Bargaining Team will review the response and report back to the membership.
- Our safety concerns start with buildings and extend to the policies and procedures that the District proposes.
- The Bargaining Team is concerned that many of their proposals will have long-lasting, negative effects on our contract.
- We will risk losing our collective power if any of us begin working under not-yet-negotiated procedures or conditions. If you are feeling pressured to start work prior to an agreement between the HEA and HPS, especially before the contractual start date of September 1st, please contact your rep.
- The HEA is working for a plan that is both safe and equitable for all. All 950 of us must come together as one and flex our Union muscle to achieve our demands for safe schools from the first day to the last.
Today the School Committee heard presentations on behalf of Specialist teachers, Physical Education, Special Education, ELL, and High School teachers. Emily Boulger, Kelly Fairbrother, Neil Wilkins, Maureen Zuber, and Suzanne Coffin represented their disciplines and shared the many concerns that will affect our ability to teach effectively and safely according to the District’s proposal.
As the meeting ended, the School Committee broke their silence. Rich Rosa thanked our members for their presentations and Paul Magliocchetti added, “We hear you.” Only time will tell if the message was received.
Our educators want to go back to our schools, but we can not do so until we are assured that buildings and procedures are safe. As a Union, we have an obligation to bargain for the health and safety of our members. When we fight, we win.
The next bargaining session is Wednesday, August 26th, at 4:00pm. We will send out a call for members to sign up to observe early next week.
In Solidarity,
Nancy Koorapaty and Christine Hickey
Bargaining Team Chairs