Bargaining Update-Merilee Anzalone
Bargaining Update September
CUTA and CUSD met for just about 2 hours on both Sept. 6 and 13. CUTA reviewed the district response to our July package proposal including articles 6, 7, 8, and 9. The good news is that CUTA and the District agree on at least 13 aspects contract language changes in the respective articles.
The bad news is there are 4 main points where we do not agree, cannot reconcile the fissure, and the district office has no authority to close the gap. Issues at stake are as follows:
I. Elementary Teachers Prep Time Procedures (Article 6)
II. Counselor, Nurse and Speech Teacher to Student Ratios (Article7)
III. Stipends and reimbursement (Article 8)
IV. Health Benefits including retirees (Article 9)
I. Elementary Teachers Prep Time Procedures:
Article 6 (Hours of Employment 6.1.1.B.1.a.2) - the district wants to "require a teacher to physically report to the school office prior to the beginning of the scheduled preparation time to ensure that the campus has adequate substitute teacher coverage."
II. Counselor, Nurse and Speech Teacher to Student Ratios
Article 7 (Class Size)
Counselor to student ratio is currently (1/400) with a 10% leeway. We offer the district 30 days more than current language to comply with a 1/400 ratioand eliminate the 10% leeway. This language would mirror current practice and does not require additional funding. The District believes they cannot operate with a fixed number and has dropped the leeway range to 5%.
Nurse to student ratio is currently 1/3000. We wish to mirror current practice of 1/2500 and improve effectiveness of nurses serving the safety and welfare of all students. The district offers a 1/2800 ratio and balks at a lower number for fear of future cost increases.
Speech therapist case load caps at 70 students and the average number of students per therapist district wide must equal 55. Our language requests a cap of 60 students/caseload and is an effort to equalize the workloads, reduce the disparity amongst colleagues and ensure quality services to recipients. The district fears the planning and logistics of a cap change would make assignments too cumbersome.
III. Stipends and reimbursement Article 8 (Wages)
CUTA has discussed minimal prep time travel reimbursement and a Skills USA program stipend.
The District's response is to each "Skills USA stipend (whether one is to be added and what the factor may be) is to be left at the discretion of the District. This stipend will not be considered for inclusion in the collective bargaining agreement until such time as there is a comprehensive review and analysis of all stipends and the factor assigned".
IV. Health and Benefits(Article 9)
CUTA maintains position that CUSD cover full cost of Red Plan ($949) for 2012/2013 .
The District holds the position that they cannot waver from the current contract language where the cap of the Red Plan is ($898) with the District and the membership sharing any increase 50/50.
Retirees Benefits
CUTA requested and maintains the position that CUSD reimburse retirees for the out of pocket maximum difference between the Red and Blue Plans ($375 for individuals, $750 for composites) stays.
CUSD offered "For the 2012/13 school year only, the District will pay retirees eligible for medical benefits the following one time annual payment due to the BSSP JPA's limitation of the benefit plan options for this group:
Individuals:$350 and Composite:$700"
Thank you
Merilee Anzalone
Shasta Elementary
