03/23/2020
UPDATE: So I just heard from CSEA Executive Department. For now, the only TA that we can ratify is the school closure COVID-19 agreement. That does not mean that the increases won’t happen, it just means that we will be waiting a bit longer. As soon as the Board figures out a way to make sure votes and elections can be handled in an appropriate and fair way, we will move forward. I was also told that the election for Area B Director has been postponed, as well. Again... we will get through all of this together. I will continue to keep you all updated and informed, to the best of my ability.
Good morning, Lumberjacks! Your negotiating team met with the District on March 20, and we were able to sign three Tentative Agreements:
1. The agreement between CSEA and AESD regarding the closure of our schools due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This agreement outlines how our classified members will be paid during the closures, and the requirements of our members during closures.
2. The creation and Range placement of a new job description. The District has interest in creating a new full time, benefitted position: Student Intervention Facilitator.
3. The “Me Too” Article 6.1.1 of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between CSEA Lumberjacks and AESD states that if we have settled our negotiations, but the District later settles with the teachers for a higher value, we will automatically have reopeners to discuss more money. Theses discussions resulted in an overall pay raise and an additional amount of money on the Health and Welfare District Contribution. The pay increase will be retro to January 1, 2020, and the Benefit Contribution increase will be retro to July 1, 2019.
Your team worked hard for you all, and we need to ratify this agreement by the end of the month. Since we are not able to meet in person, I am proposing a “Zoom” meeting to discuss the above mentioned items and to vote to ratify.
I will be asking CSEA to do a mailing to all of our members with the date, time, and invite information for the Zoom meeting. Zoom is a very simple way to meet as a group, but not need to be in the same room. It is as simple as clicking on a link and authorizing your computer to use its camera and microphone. You may join on a PC, Apple, or smart phone. If you do not have a camera, you may still join, we simply will not see you.
If any of you have questions or need help, please reach out to me. I would rather answer questions about these TAs at the meeting, rather on the Facebook platform, as these discussions and the ratification vote are for members only.
Please keep your eyes open for a letter about this Zoom meeting.
We will get through all of this together, and please know that you leadership team is always working on ways to improve the lives of our members, our students, and our communities.
~ Colette Aitken, Chapter President
707-599-6685
[email protected]
