WOOOHOOO!!!
The ESP Bargaining Team met with the School Committee today from 4:30-7:10 pm to go over the remaining aspects of our contract and proposed language changes. I am excited to report that both parties have come to a tentative agreement! This has been a long process and I want to thank each and every union member who helped to advocate and support the ESP Living Wage Campaign which includes: the Bargaining Team, negotiation observers, School Committee meeting speakers, Stand Out participants, the HCat Team, email writers, teacher testimonials, etc.
The School Committee Bargaining members plan to present the tentative agreement to the full School Committee at next Thursday’s SC meeting. In preparation, the School Committee is “redlining” or striking through our old contract and adding updated language which includes a new salary structure and substantial pay raises. Next, the HEA reviews the contract to make sure the changes are accurate and reflective of what was negotiated. A copy of the contract in its entirety will then be sent electronically to every ESP to allow members time to review.
SAVE THE DATE – We plan to present the full agreement and hold a ratification vote for all ESPs on Tuesday, May 18th at 6:30 pm via Zoom.
Again, this was a team effort and we all should be proud of what was accomplished. When we fight, we win!
In Solidarity,
Maureen Zuber
ESP Bargaining Chair and Rep