Unit A info

Dear Members,
 
At this point in negotiations, we are focusing our efforts on the most critical and significant issues. Each proposal brought forward is being addressed prudently. The overarching goal is to create a sustainable contract.
 
At the initial meeting with School Committee, a set of ground rules was presented and agreed upon by both sides. As in all negotiations, we are bound by these rules. We are unable to discuss specific details of any proposal. Doing so would compromise our ability to further negotiate this contract. It would in effect, render us with nothing. It is important that the membership recognize and understand that implications under which we function.
 
However, we can share the following.
 
We have met with School Committee 18 times. Please see the dates listed below. If you look carefully at the dates, several of the meetings have been held in close succession. This is evidentiary that both sides are negotiating in good faith. Between each of the meetings with school committee, the negotiating team met to continually strategize.
 
Meetings with School Committee:
March 3, 2015
April 6, 2015
April 15, 2015
April 27, 2015
May 13, 2105
May 19, 2105
June 9, 2015
June 22, 2015
June 24, 2015
July 29, 2015
August 11, 2015
September 21, 2015
September 28, 2015
October 13, 2015
October 26, 2015
November 5, 2015
November 9, 2015
November 30, 2015

Our next meeting is December 15, 2015. Unless there is a major outlying factor, we are close to completing negotiations.

This is where this email becomes rather lengthy. It is my hope that you will continue to read. The information below is critical to understanding the next steps towards ratification.

Once the contract is mutually agreed upon, the newly drafted proposal will be posted on the Weebly site. It will be posted for a minimum of five days prior to ratification. Once a location is secured, with five or more days notice, the membership will be informed by email and on the Weebly site. The meeting will begin once the primary school day ends and allows members to travel across town. Generally, meetings begin close to 4:00. Members with children, I encourage you to bring them to the meeting.

Parliamentary procedure will be followed. (I will not bore you by detailing this at this time). Once the meeting adjourns, all votes will be counted. Any member can stay to hear the result of the final vote. 

At that point, the contract is not fully ratified. It must be presented before School Committee for a final vote. Your attendance is critical at that School Committee meeting. It communicates the urgency with which we want a new contract. School Committee meetings are held at 7:00 pm at the Humanities Center (WHS).

I know that members will have many questions and concerns. You can anticipate the next update before Christmas break. 
 
Regards,
Ydana Chella
WEA President​