VTA Negotiations Update 01.22.10
The State Mediator has scheduled Monday, February 15th for our first mediation session. The meeting will commence at 9:00 AM at the School District Office. A rally will be planned. Stay tuned for more information but plan on attending…your bargaining team needs your support.
VTA Negotiations Update 12.11.09
Dear Colleagues,
It is with a heavy heart and a sad feeling that I must report to you that the VUSD Board declared impasse against the VTA in Bargaining negotiations yesterday. This means that the District will seek resolution of negotiations with the assistance of a State appointed mediator.
The PERB(Public Employees Relations Board) will be contacted to assign a mediator to work with both VUSD and VTA to try to come to a resolution. The mediator will be assigned and then a date for the first meeting will be set up.
Your VTA Bargaining Team has worked tirelessly and diligently to come up with an agreement that honors our commitment to our members and works with the District to avoid State take over due to financial problems beyond our control. We do not want to undermine the integrity of our contract and still work with the District to overcome financial hardships. They are using this opportunity to destroy our contract, cut our pay, increase class size and lower our student contact days. This offer is unacceptable and we look forward to the battle ahead. We have always worked for the children of our District and have bent over backwards to assist the District in maintaining the high standards of teaching in Vista.
Please ask your VTA Rep for the next steps and our strategy for the conflict ahead. We are committed to providing the best education possible for all of our students and to also maintain the integrity of our hard fought contract. We need your help, your commitment and your faith in us during these trying times.
May you have a joyful and restful winter break and not allow these hardships to undermine your hard won time with family and friends. Please rest up, take care of yourself and family members and know that we are arm and arm beside you. Come January we will call on you to help with our vital negotiations.
Thank you,
Barbara Franklin
VTA Bargaining Chair
VTA Negotiations Update 12.08.09
Dear Colleagues,
Your VTA Bargaining Team met with the District Management Team Tuesday, December 1, 2009 and today, Tuesday, December 08, 2009.
During today’s meeting we countered the Management’s last proposals:
Your VTA Bargaining Team left the meeting requesting that the District take all our proposals directly to the Board on Thursday. They agreed to take our proposals to the Board.
Article 12: Salary. We feel a 2% pay cut is unreasonable.
Article 17: Work Year. We feel five days furlough for a two year period is difficult but are willing to work with the District as long as it is a temporary solution.
Article 20: Class Size. A temporary increase in class size K-12 is a possibility as long as it is for a short term budget crisis solution and the integrity of our contract reverts back to current language.
Article 14: Early Retirement Plan. We proposed a retirement incentive that would pay out over five years.
We are expecting a response following Thursday’s Board Meeting. Another update will follow Friday afternoon. Through negotiations we were able to continue the dialogue and feel that we are continuing to bargain in good faith. It is your VTA Bargaining Team’s goal to continue to bargain without compromising the integrity of the current contract.
VTA Bargaining Team
VTA Negotiations Update 12.01.09
Dear Colleagues,
Your VTA Bargaining Team met with the District Management Team Tuesday, November 30, 2009.
It is not going well, save your money, and rest up over the holidays.
We have a huge fight on our hands: we need your help- it is your contract, your salary and your students’ education.
The VTA Bargaining Team will be meeting again on Tuesday, December 08, 2009 with the VUSD team. At that time more details will be provided to you.
Stay tuned and stay strong!
VTA Bargaining Team