Good Afternoon Members,
I want to start by calling your attention to the contract negotiations happening in Geneva. Our brothers and sisters in the Geneva Education Association are moving closer and closer to strike. I know that the members of the GEA would love nothing more than for contract negotiations to be over. I know that they want to come to a deal that everyone feels good about. That pays teachers fairly. That attracts and retains new teachers. That takes into consideration the issues teachers face on a daily basis. Unfortunately, the two sides seem to be on different pages with what a fair contract looks like. I hope that they can continue to get to the table and come to an agreement that addresses the concerns of the members of the GEA. What I will say, is how inspired I am to see their members come together. This is a difficult time for everyone but to see the members of the GEA come together is amazing to watch. They are stronger united and supportive of one another and because of that they will be stronger no matter what comes their way. As we continue to move forward with bargaining, we should all keep in mind how long and trying this process can be. Geneva has been at the table since February. 9 months later, they are at the step of a strike. If Geneva cannot come to an agreement by Tuesday and if forced to take this next step, the answer to solving the issues are still going to be at the table.
As an ETA, we look forward to going to the table with district administration and solving the problems you and I all see on a daily basis. This process is long and difficult and one that we don’t want to see end in a strike or any other ending that does not include a successful TA being voted on and ratified by the membership. That being said, we will prepare for any and all outcomes. Between now and the January RA, we will sit at the table 8 times with district. We will have over 40 hours of negotiations that will hopefully lead to what will ultimately be a TA that we can agree to and ratify.
I wish you all nothing but the best over the final 15 school days before winter break. Please reach out if you have any questions or concerns. Your Section Directors are also available to help as is the officer team. If you or your members would like me to visit, feel free to reach out to myself or your Section Director to set up a meeting.
Have a terrific end to 2018 and let us all work together to have an even stronger 2019.
IEA RA Election Tuesday, December 4
Voting for the IEA RA will take place in buildings on Tuesday, December 4. One of the most powerful things we can do as a union and show our collective voice is vote. If you have questions, please see your head rep.
Salary Concerns
Any member with 9 or more years of service in U-46 should see their step be 2 less than it should be. One step was frozen in 2010 while the other step has currently not been given for this year and is still being negotiated at bargaining. If you have other salary concerns, please be sure to contact myself and payroll to resolve those issues.
DCFS Training
At the RA we talked about what to do if DCFS contacts you. Included in the slides for this discussion is a video from the IEA explaining what to do. Please take a look and remember if DCFS contacts you, be sure to contact Barb Bettis or Jack Janezic immediately.
Apportionment
The Representative Assembly approved an apportionment for this year that is identical to last year. In addition, a motion was made that a committee be formed to review apportionment for next year to help balance the sections and be inclusive of more members. Information on this committee will be made available at the January RA.
New #ETAStrong Gear and ETA Night Out
The membership committee is pleased to announce two new items that are now available for purchase. The first is a long sleeved shirt that says #ETAStrong. The other is a hoodie that says #ETAStrong. Both come in a tall edition as well. If you are interested they can found at
https://theeta.org/shop/. All proceeds will benefit the Those Who Excel (TWE!) scholarship fund. Orders are due by 12/7.
In addition, be on the lookout to buy your ticket to the an upcoming Windy City Bulls game in February. More information will be on the website in the coming weeks about how you can reserve your seat for our ETA Night Out.
Bargaining Dates
Bargaining dates through January have been set. If you are interested in being an observer, please email Barb Bettis to get your name on the waiting list. The dates for bargaining are;
December 6, 8:30-2:30 PM
December 11, 4:00-8:00 PM
December 12, 8:30-2:30 PM
December 17, 8:30-2:30 PM
January 10, 4:00-8:00 PM
January 11, 8:30-2:30 PM
January 15, 4:00-8:00 PM,
January 22, 4:00-8:00 PM
January 28, 8:30-2:30 PM
January 30, 4:00-8:00 PM
SIP and SD Training
Audrey Leaver gave a presentation on SIP and SD. The slides are included in the attached slide deck. If you are in need of support with your SIP or SD team, please reach out to your section director to set up a time for them to come sit in and support your team. SIP and SD are contractual committees that directly impact the day to day functioning of our schools. Please be sure to review the slides and get support if your team is in need.
Snow Day Make Up
At this time, no decision has been passed along about when we will make up the snow day from Monday, November 26. As soon as a decision is made, communication will be made by the district.
I thank all of you for your hard work and dedication to our students and your colleagues every single day. I wish you nothing but the best as we continue toward the end of 2018.
Barb Bettis
ETA President