CAUSE ADVISORY
Update: IMPASSE Mediation
Session # 1 * Oct. 9, 2024
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District Employees & Families,
Yesterday, Union & District leadership joined a State mediator assigned to assist the parties in reaching a mediated agreement. Although confidentiality agreements prohibit Union leadership from discussing any actual proposals discussed during mediation, we are permitted to share details pertaining to the process itself.
Meeting dynamics:
Although the parties were scheduled to meet together (in-person) at the beginning of the meeting, this did not occur. Superintendent Rigby has refused to meet face-to-face with Union Leadership for over 6.5 years. This mediation session was no different. Although Union representatives took time away from their students to collaboratively work towards a good-faith agreement, Mrs. Rigby (the administrator most responsible for leading the District through challenging matters such as these) would not join us directly. CAUSE & CUSD’s bargaining teams remained in different rooms throughout the day, with no face-to-face communication. Meanwhile, the mediator shuttled back and forth between the bargaining partners.
Topics discussed:
During the mediation session, we reviewed contract articles associated with SAFETY, LEAVE, and COMPENSATION & BENEFITS. Union leadership continues to stress the importance of the 100 + employee proposals previously rejected by District leadership. CAUSE remains focused on helping District leaders understand the relevance of employees’ proposals and the conditions they are designed to improve.
Where are we at:
No agreement was reached. Therefore, the parties will work with the mediator to schedule the next meeting.
In the meantime, we’ve included the most recent employee proposals submitted prior to declaring IMPASSE.
1 – June 3.CERT.SAFE _ CAUSE (Counter Proposal ) _ ARTICLE 15_ SAFETY _ 2023-24 FIN..2024
3 – June 3.CERTIFICATED – LEAVE – CAUSE – Proposal 2023-2024..FIN
4 – June 3 CLASS. LEAVE * CAUSE Proposal (2nd) * Article 12- LEAVE * 2023-24
5 – CERTIF.Art.6.SPED.Comp&Benefits (PART A) Proposal 2023-24.FIN.
6 – CERTIF.Art.6Compensation & Benefits (Part B) -Proposal _ CAUSE_ 23-24 – June.3. 2024.FIN.
7 – June 3.23-24 – CLASSIFIED Proposal – ART. 6 _ Comp & Benefits.(SPED.Part A) June.3.2024. FIN.docx
8 – June 3.CLASSIFIED Proposal 23-24 – ART. 6 _ Comp & Benefits.(Part B) . FIN.
As you review them, please consider how you will make your voices, experiences, and interests heard. District leadership routinely asserts that CAUSE’s bargaining team does not represent the interests of District personnel. Your direct participation is needed to demonstrate employee support for the proposals we carry to the bargaining table, which will have a direct impact on the well-being of District employees, students, and families.
In Unity,
~ CAUSE Leadership