SDUSD recently changed its toileting policy to come into compliance with state law, which says that Preschool and TK students can’t be denied attendance if they haven’t yet reached toileting mastery. But what it means to be a union is that SDUSD doesn’t just get to decide how that new policy will be implemented. Instead, members get to bargain over the implementation of the policy as it relates to issues that impact members – like job duties, training and safety.
After three bargaining sessions on toileting, the most recent on Feb. 19, the members of the SDEA bargaining team are still pushing for a fair agreement. Here’s where we’re at:
SDEA offered 5 days in March for future bargaining sessions, but SDUSD refused them all and offered no alternate dates. Refusing to bargain in good faith is an unfair labor practice and the SDEA Bargaining Team will explore all legal means to bring SDUSD back to the table.
The SDEA Bargaining Team for toileting includes union members Michelle Bryant (Education Specialist, Johnson El.), Sandra Alvarado (ECE Teacher, Balboa El.), Anna McAllister (Elementary Teacher, TK, Balboa El.), Monique Barrett (Education Specialist, SDEA Vice President), and Rascha Conners (Nurse).
*Note that this bargaining process is separate and more specific than our ongoing negotiations for the rest of our next contract. We always have the right to bargain over how policy changes impact our members!