As signs with 1% ‘s have been popping up in teacher’s classrooms, there have been so many questions, many of which can’t be answered during school hours by the teachers. So here’s a quick run down. The teachers are negotiating their new contract, trying to get a raise that is similar to the rate of inflation. However, the district responded with a 1% percent offer that’s reliant on 2 tax bonds that are unlikely to be passed. But this summary barely scratches the surface. So, in order to attempt to answer some of these questions, I secured an exclusive interview with Westmont’s CHSTA representative, Jill La Fetra.
Diego: “What’s the union pushing for?”
La Fetra: “The union is pushing for the district to spend money to help the students, with the largest issue being teacher retention, as teachers are leaving because money, which isn’t good for the student, with large class sizes, especially for students that are still learning English, is equally troublesome.”
Diego: “How is the union responding 1%, technically 0% (The 0% reflecting the 0% raise that the district is currently offering teachers)?”
La Fetra: “The union has reached an impasse, negotiations will go to mediation, then fact finding.”
Diego: “Rumors of a strike have been going on for a little while, do you have any insight on that?”
La Fetra: “The union is not striking this year, but negotiations will continue, and may lead to strike, probable work to rule, so no letters of recommendation.”
Diego: “Kinda similar to the previous question, how likely is it looking like work to rule next year?”
La Fetra: “If the union doesn’t reach an agreement by the end of the year, 2024 2025 will likely start with work to rule.”
Diego: “How can students and the community help the teachers union get what they deserve?”
La Fetra: “Have parents send letters to the district office, and have students follow the instagram account at @chstaunited.”
Huge thanks to Ms. La Fetra for this interview, and hopefully teachers get the pay they deserve.