Hello Educators,

Today was the first day of mediated negotiations. We spent some time establishing and understanding the process of mediation.

The District passed back six articles, one third of which had no changes from their last proposals. However, we were able to come to a tentative agreement on four articles (11 School Improvement Councils, 21 Mentor Program, 22 Professional Growth, 27 Evaluation).  

Near the end of the session we engaged in a productive small group discussion around safety and student support but it did not result in new proposals as of yet.

While many of the urgent issues have not yet been addressed, we are hopeful that a mediated bargaining process will rapidly lead to meaningful movement toward a settlement that avoids the need for escalating action up to a potential strike.

We will be in mediation again on Thursday, September 7 all day.

Remember to wear PAT Blue on Tuesday and wear your “Working without a contract” button every day. Parents and community members have shown interest in knowing what is going on and are offering their support by flyering at multiple Elementary, K-8, and Middle schools our most recent PAT flyers. Our families and community are standing up for Great Public Schools for All!

In Solidarity,
Your Bargaining Team
Steve Lancaster, Chair
Francisca Alvarez
Samara Bockelman
Julia Fogg
Thea Keith
Charity Powell

Ryan Olds, OEA Staff
Angela Bonilla, President
Portland Association of Teachers
https://www.pdxteachers.org/