Hello Educators,

This evening, our Bargaining Team met with PPS Management for our first bargaining session. The PAT Bargaining Team included 28 elected members (plus honorary members including one baby and one therapy dog). Bargaining Team leaders include PAT Member Co-Chairs Francisca Alvarez and Mike Carlip, and our OEA Uni-Serv Consultant and Lead Negotiator Bao Nguyen. Click here and bookmark this page to stay informed about Bargaining Updates.

As the PAT Bargaining Team walked into the library, we were met with applause from fellow member observers - what a great feeling, and THANKS for the support. Some first impressions from our Bargaining Team include: “I feel our power!” and “There were so many more of us than them.” The PPS Management team has zero returning members from our previous bargain. 

The PAT Bargaining Team came in with proposals for four articles, and we will get all proposals on the table by the end of our fourth bargaining session on March 12. PPS Management was collegial and asked dozens of questions about our proposals, and it’s clear that the PAT Bargaining Team has both historical knowledge and member power. 

Articles we opened for bargaining include:

• Article 5 GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE. PAT-proposed updates include removing redundant and outdated language, automatically moving from Level 1 to Level 2 if no response is received within 20 days, and clarifying Level 1 and Level 2 grievances by providing updated forms.
• Article 13 INSURANCE PROTECTION. PAT proposed having insurance benefits for employees who are .75 or less be paid commensurate to their FTE. For example, if you are a .6 employee, PPS would pay 60% of your benefits.
• Article 15 RETIREMENT. PAT is proposing that retired members have the ability to choose to add a spouse OR a dependent to their benefits package. Previously, members could only choose a spouse.
• Article 28 NEGOTIATION PROCEDURES. PAT is proposing to increase the number of members allowed to take release time to participate in bargaining sessions from 6 to 18, since we now have an elected expanded Bargaining Team.

What’s Next

All PAT members are invited to attend every session. Regarding livestream, according to the Employee Relations Board, is a permissive subject, so both parties must agree to recording bargaining sessions. Show up in person, and wear blue! Our next bargaining sessions are:

• February 19 at 4pm Marshall High School, Library
• March 5 at 4pm Marshall High School, Library
• March 19 at 4pm Marshall High School, Library (updated)

If you’d like to provide feedback, you can talk directly with members of the Bargaining Team during Contract Hotline hours from 5:00-7:00pm on Monday, February 23, or contact your PAT Building Rep or CAT Team Leader.  

We fought hard for our last contract. We are committed to a thorough and expedient process with frequent updates and open communication to members. Several members of our bargaining team who were at the table in the last cycle of negotiations remarked how different and collaborative our session was tonight. 

In Solidarity,
Your PAT Bargaining Team:

Alex Prahl, Cesar Chavez K-8
Alexis Quiñonez, Rigler ES
Andrew Butterfield, Ida B. Wells HS
Angela Bonilla, PAT President
Beyoung Yu, Atkinson ES
Bryan Dykman, Franklin HS
Calley Ekberg, Itinerant
Caroline Coholan, Llewellyn ES
Carolyn "CT" Earnest, McDaniel HS
Catherine Tucker, Marysville ES
Chrysann Lowe, Beverly Cleary K-8
Francisca Alvarez, Scott K-5 and Bargaining Co-Chair
Georgie Steeves, Harrison Park MS
Josuee Hernandez, Faubion PK-8
Kelly Schlottman, Lent ES
Kimberly Young, Markham ES
Ky Hansen, CRIS
Luke Hotchkiss, Benson HS
Mike Carlip, Rapid Response Team and Bargaining Co-Chair
Moira Finnegan, Franklin HS
Revi Shohet, Bridger-CS K-8
Rhonda Holmes, Roosevelt HS
Rion Roberts, Lincoln HS
Samara Bockelman, Beaumont MS and Roseway Heights MS
Sarabeth "SB" Leitch, McDaniel HS
Sarah Conely, Sunnyside K-8
Sharitha McKenzie, Grant HS
Sunshine McFaul, Grant HS
Valerie Turner, Mt. Tabor MS
Walker, Roosevelt HS
Yaneira Romero, James John ES