NESPA MEMBERS STAND UP AND VOTE FOR RESPECT

Members turned out in droves at the August 31st NESPA Meeting AT Bothell HS, and voted unanimously to continue and to deepen our efforts to address salary and benefit inequities! Details below.

About 250 NESPA members heard reports on negotiations, and on plans to continue negotiations this year while the terms of our expired contract remain in effect. NESPA Co-President Peggy Sturm and Chief Negotiator Kraig Peck reviewed the tentative agreements, and the unresolved issues. Kraig Peck told the group, “The big issues remain unresolved: Pay, Hours and Benefits, Job Security, and Access to Appropriate Computers. Peggy and Kraig explained that the District has withdrawn their proposals to control Professional Hours, to eliminate the minimum 4 hour work day, and to take away PSP stipends for some.

NSEA (Northshore Teachers Assn) President Tim Brittell told the group that we have the support of the teachers. “We work together in our schools, and we are going to work together to get fair contracts for teachers and for NESPA members. Our contract expires this year, and we will be negotiating a new one. It looks like we’re going to be negotiating together, and coordinating our efforts if you don’t have a contract before the Spring. That’s not a bad thing. We will be there for you, as you are there for us every day.”

Marge Mitchell, outgoing NESPA Co-President and a member of NESPA’s Board and Bargaining Team told the membership, “We are going to have to make some real noise to bring about change. We will continue to press for fair wages, a phased out end to the 20 hour ceiling, and respect and support from the administration. All of our members should be paid at least equal to the lowest paid custodians.”

Marge presented a motion from NESPA’s Board, and described the NESPA V.OT.E.S plan---which will require the participation of ALL of us, to be successful. Those present from each school had discussions with their co-workers on ways to implement the motion---to participate in making the NESPA V.O.T.E.S. plan a reality in the coming months and, if necessary, during the entire school year. The entire membership stood up in support of the motion, which is below:

MOTION FROM NESPA BOARD: We move that:

• NESPA continue negotiations with the old contract remaining in effect. We will coordinate our negotiations with NSEA, which negotiates a full contract this school year.
• Our membership implements the NESPA V.O.T.E.S Plan until we have a new agreement: Visibility, Organizing, Tenacity, Education, and Support.

Take a look at the link: NESPA V.O.T.E.S PLAN to find out more---and to learn how you can be a part of this historic effort to win RESPECT for educational support professionals in Northshore. Hundreds of members made commitments to implement the plan by participating in ongoing events; helping to make a You-Tube video; speaking to organizations; and joining NESPA’s Bargaining Support Team. When your NESPA Building Communicator asks for your participation, please do your share!

Co-President Pat Waldrop ended the meeting by stating, “Thank you so much for being here and making this commitment to end our second class status!”