Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/1487796
Bargaining Roundup Compiled by Julian Peeples COVINA: Strike averted as educators win agreement On Nov. 30, just hours before the members of Covina Unified Education Association (CUEA) were set to go on strike, the bargaining team ended a marathon negotiations session with a tentative agreement. The settlement came after hundreds of teachers protested in front of district headquarters that morning, and was a compromise that addressed a key sticking point for CUEA members — a hard-cap on health benefits that would disparately impact newer teachers. "We are deeply grateful not only for the hard work of the bargaining team," said CUEA President Adam Hampton, "but for every CUEA member who has sacrificed their time, shown up at rallies, and participated in organizing actions to help achieve this settlement." The agreement included a more than 12.7 percent raise for the 2021-2023 school years and improvements for special education teachers. CUEA mem- bers had not voted to ratify the agreement as of press time. VENTURA: Teachers, ESPs united for respect, fair pay The members of Ventura Unified Edu- cation Association (VUEA) and Ventura Education Support Professionals Association (VESPA) are united in their demand for respect and fair compen- sation that attracts and retains the best educators for Ventura students. The two locals are collaborating as they are both in protracted bargaining with Ventura Unified School District. VUEA and VESPA held rallies to spread the word and show their solidarity, as well as a town hall meeting in late October. Note: At press time, VESPA posted an update announcing they reached a tentative agreement. Visit venturaesp.org and vuea.net for details. #VESPAStrong #VUEAStrong 38 cta.org Advocacy