Bargaining Update: 6/3/2016

USEP BARGAINING UPDATE

As we head into the summer months, your colleagues on the USEP bargaining teams will continue to volunteer their time and talents to work toward a settlement with the District for the 2016-2017 contracts. We hope that you will take an active interest in negotiations and follow our progress through our summer bargaining updates. You can sign up for these updates to be sent to your home email address through the following link:

http://www.summer-updates.useponline.org/

Since launching our negotiations in April, the District and Union Instructional and SRP bargaining teams have met three times to present and discuss a number of proposals. So far, several tentative agreements have been reached.

The most significant proposals already on the table have come in the form of language openers from USEP. USEP has proposed annual contract renewal language, seeking to provide clear expectations for AC teachers to be awarded a contract renewal. While state statute prohibits Districts from offering Professional Service Contracts or Continuing Contracts, 36 districts in Florida offer some sort AC protection language. It is USEP’s contention that providing clear expectations for continued employment costs the District nothing and provides some much needed peace of mind for an ever-growing number of our instructional employees.

Additionally, USEP’s SRP team has proposed language intended to improve transfers and reassignments, allowing a bid process which utilizes seniority in the District as the deciding factor in awarding assignments.

The District has yet to bring any language openers to the table.

The Florida Legislature’s early session resulted in a budget that included a modest 3.03% increase in total funding for Pasco County. We anticipate turning the conversation to compensation later this summer.

All bargaining sessions are open to observers, and we invite you to attend as your summer schedule permits. Our next bargaining sessions will be scheduled after the school year concludes. They will be announced and posted on the USEP website and social media pages. You can help us advocate for improved working conditions for all District employees by reaching out to the school board to encourage them to support our proposals. Remember that we are stronger together!

Continue to monitor the bargaining process through the summer by joining us on Facebook or signing up for USEP updates.

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As you plan your summer budgets, it may be helpful to know that the District has published the following 2016-2017 pay dates:

Teachers:

SRP: