bargaining update

VTA declared Impasse after the last bargaining session in April because the District twice offered a 0% raise.  This was after the Governor’s January budget proposal meant that VUSD would get an additional $13.5 million in revenue for 2015-2016. PERB (Public Employees Relations Board) denied our impasse request and said we had to go back to the table after the Governor’s May Budget Revise. The Governor’s May Revise changed the additional new funding for VUSD to $20 Million in ongoing money, plus over $12 million in one-time money.

Today (5/27) the VTA and VUSD bargaining teams met to continue discussions.  The current negotiations are centered around salary and benefits.  The coming year promises to deliver a windfall of new money to VUSD.  The district is expected to see over $20 million dollars in new ongoing revenue.  Yet despite this VUSD offered their teachers only a 1% raise with an additional 1% in the form of 2 professional development days if the LCAP is approved.  VTA knows that with the $20 million in new ongoing revenue, $12 million in one-time revenue, and over $45 million in reserves that VUSD can afford our previous proposal of 7% in salary increase and additional money towards the rising cost of benefits. 

Today the district did not respond to VTAs other offers and requested more time.  They will respond after the next meeting of the School Board on June 18.   Please continue to check your personal emails and the VTA Webpage and Support VUSD Teachersfacebook page to stay informed over the summer.

Tod Critchlow
President Elect 
Vista Teachers Association