Language Teachers United met on Friday with St Giles Management to begin collective bargaining.  Unit leaders Shannon, Tanner, and Bargaining Committee member Britt sat at the table with Guild staff. Jessica came to observe and take notes.

This first session was devoted mainly to introductions and an initial statement of the unit’s priorities. Management was asked to explain the process for hiring new teachers. Each teacher took the opportunity to share why s/he loves teaching, how s/he is invested in this process, and challenges experienced in the workplace. To that end, Britt encapsulated results from our member bargaining survey.

The bargaining survey responses reveal six contract priorities:

-higher wages

-paid prep and administrative time

-more transparency in staffing decisions

-improved retirement benefits

-improved health benefits for all, salaried and non-salaried teachers

-job security

While there was some discussion about adopting an Interest Based Bargaining (IBB) process, management was not ready to commit to that process at this time. Rather, we agreed to meet again on September 11. Our committee will present a proposal based on the bargaining survey results.

The committee asked management to reflect on the concerns expressed in the meeting today and come up with its own proposals. While management did not commit to returning with written proposals, it did promise to seriously consider our concerns.

Representing the committee: Shannon Morris, Tanner Stinchfield, Brittney Lollis, and Kat Anderson (Guild staff rep).

Representing the management: Megan McEnulty and Mark Ross (attorney for the Company).

If you have any questions, please contact Shannon, Tanner, Britt, Jessica or Kat.