Bargaining Update 7-13-20

As previously reported, NTA will go back to the table with the District on Wednesday, July 15, at 1:00pm. An update will be sent out after the meeting.

Moreover, earlier today, NTA learned through the Districts public email blast, that it plans to delay the start of schools until Thursday, August, 27, 2020. This was a move that was not negotiated and not discussed with NTA.

In its email blast, the district admitted that they are delaying the start of schools because it is not prepared, stating in part, “allow extra time to hire more staff, add even further layers of safety, and assess Sacramento County’s virus conditions, as we enter August”. Despite acknowledging its unpreparedness, particularly in regards to safety (a fact that NTA has been raising since the start of school reopening negotiations), the district is still planning on reopening schools with a 5 day a week option. The 5 day a week option has been lauded as the most unsafe model for schools reopening.

What makes the District’s current plan even more disappointing, is that it comes on the heels of dozens of school districts announcing that they will reopen in a 100% distance learning model. Districts include:  Los Angeles Unified, San Diego Unified, West Contra Costa County, East Side Union, and Oakland Unified (click here to read Los Angeles Times report).

Negotiating Start of School Date:
While it may be useful to delay the start of school, the District’s illegal and unilateral action, has created additional questions and concerns. Later today NTA leaders will be sending the district a letter regarding its illegal action, as well as, asking the following questions:
1. Will August pay check (our regular pay cycle) be affected?
2. Will any District STRS reporting for the month of august be affected?
3. Since the negotiated calendar was unilaterally changed, does the district believe that it can add the missed days (because of the change of the first day of school) to the end of the school year?

Last week, NTA has held virtual site visits with members at the Elementary schools to discuss a bargaining update, how to safely reopen schools, and have polled members on a willingness to stand united  to demand the the district bargain in good faith and a demand to safely reopen schools. With an average ratio of well over 90% NTA members are stating a willingness to stand united and ensure that our students, families, and members are protected.

Later today, NTA members from the high school are scheduled for their virtual site visit.

Picture (below) from last week’s K-5 schools virtual site visit.