Bargaining

Bargaining News May 2021

This year has been a rollercoaster ride for bargaining.  We were able to successfully negotiate a return to in-person instruction with strong safety language, a reasonable hybrid instruction model and a modest, 1 time bonus to our pay.  However, our MOUs are only as strong as you, our members.  It is up to all of us to enforce the MOUs as we teach over these last few weeks.  Please review them on our website, ogea.org.  Contact your site reps for assistance if you feel they are not being followed at your school site.  Remember that any OGEA member can file a grievance if the contract or MOU is being violated.

As of right now, it is too soon to say what next school year will look like.  OGEA will take all state and federal guidelines into account as we monitor what our district decides to do next year.  A lot will be determined by what the state allows school districts to do next year and what the status of Covid-19 is when the school year begins.

Although we were able to secure a modest, one time bonus to our pay, OGEA members did not get a raise this year.  This is due to the majority of new money, from the state and feds, being one time money this school year.  However, next year the California state budget is likely to be very good for education.  The large increase in state money will put OGEA in a better position to negotiate for a raise.  We, as union members, will need to be involved in the bargaining and organizing process in order to effectively demand the raise that we deserve next year.

All questions for the bargaining team can be sent to ogeabargaining@gmail.com.  You can also contact me directly at bobprola@gmail.com. 

In Solidarity,

Bob Prola

OGEA Vice President