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President's Message from May 2, 2017

6/10/2017

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Work to Rule has been a tremendous success. Well over 95% of all permanent PFT members are participating. The District's actions demonstrate how alarmed they really are. They are looking for ways to divide us and to weaken the support we are getting from the community. These attempts are only making us stronger and bring us closer together. As evidenced by the memo the superintendent sent out this afternoon. Why does he always send these correspondences late in the day? 
Here is our response to the District's latest "offer" 
PFT Response to April 27, 2017  District Package Proposal

 
The District has chosen to make their latest proposal to the Federation public. This is an unusual action in itself as they have never done so before. That is a strong signal that our actions are having a significant impact.

First this offer was not written as a proposal instead it was written as a message to the community. It has been our practice to submit offers in contract language, not a summary of intent. Language is extremely important in a contract and all parties must agree to the wording of each article.

The District presented this summary as a package deal. Meaning the Federation had to accept all the terms. Nothing could be changed. This was an all or nothing proposal.Below is a summary of their "offer"

Salary 
The District's proposal was that if there is money left after the unaudited actuals are completed, they might be able to offer the Federation a 1.5% increase. The "offer" did say the increase would be retroactive for the 2016-17 school year. They also restated their commitment to comparable compensation. In addition, they offered to reduce our days worked to 186 and pay us the 187 workday salary. That is equal to a .5% pay increase.
 
Concerted Activities
The District proposed status quo meaning that we would have no right to concerted activities. This is an attempt to take our power away. If the District doesn't find that money in September, we would be powerless to do anything. They proposed this contract last for three years. We would be powerless for three years.
 
Psychologist/Nurses/Speech Pathologists
The District is saying they will accept the Federation's proposal to increase salary for those listed above by adding 8 days to their work year and compressing the salary schedule. The Federation withdrew that offer and wants to pursue a salary schedule that offers comparable compensation with other districts.  

Willie Brown
The District reinstated this program, but put a two year limit on it. After the two years, the member would retire. We currently have a ten year limit.

2  Non- Tasked Days to Prepare for School Year
The District's language states the days will be primarily used for teachers to work in their room. They also want to include language that acknowledges that administrator meeting time with teachers is an integral part of an efficient opening of school. Basically they just rewrote this article to look better, but it does not give us the 2 non tasked work days.

48 Hour Advanced Notice for Meetings
The District once again reworded this article in an attempt to make it look like they have changed their stance. It now states if they don't give 48 hours notice, we may or may not attend. How perfect for a district that really doesn't want teacher input or value shared decision making.

TK -3 Class Size
The District proposed an increase to class sizes for tk-3 ( increase the 24 state hard cap per site average for tk-3 class size)
We will continue to negotiate for a contract that is beneficial to our members. We are strong and united and the District will soon realize they must present a real offer that will benefit all our members.

Upcoming Events      Remember to wear your t-shirt
Wednesday, May 3  Leaflet San Antonio Open House - We will meet in front of San Antonio High School at 5:45 and stay until 6:15.
Thursday, May 4 Leaflet Petaluma Junior HIgh - We will meet at the front of Petaluma Junior High at 5:45 and stay for about an hour.
Friday, May 5  Happy Hour at the Roaring Donkey - Wear your shirt for half off drinks. 


We have replenished our t shirt stock. I will delivering shirts to sites on Thursday. Email me at pftoffice775@gmail.com or let your site rep know what you want by Thursday morning.

As always, call/ text ( 707-696-5118) or email ( pftoffice775@gmail.com)  if you have any concerns or questions. We have a skillful, experienced attorney on retainer and I can get her advice at anytime. You are all amazing and together we are making a difference. 

We've got this!
In Unity,
Sandra
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    Sandra Larsen

    PFT President

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