N. Santiam seeks communication
North Santiam Chapter 122 and the district are set to go into mediation on Jan. 10; however, that doesn’t mean the chapter isn’t open to any last-minute attempts to avoid it.
“We’re not very far apart in terms of dollar amounts,” OSEA Field Representative Gabe Ortega said. “As we wait for mediation, why not keep the lines of communication open?”
Nevertheless, it doesn’t appear as if the district is prepared to respond in a similar spirit.
See related coverage: North Santiam Chapter 122 demands respect
In response to the chapter’s request to schedule an additional meeting with the district prior to mediation, North Santiam School District Director of Human Resources Teri Butler wrote: “The district can find no benefit for either party to continue meeting prior to mediation.”
Ortega said he still believes it’s in both sides’ interest to avoid mediation, but added the chapter will hold firm in demanding respect at the bargaining table. “We’ll continue standing strong for what is fair and just,” he said. The chapter stands united with a clear majority indicating they were not ready to accept the district’s last proposal.
“Forty-two members (out of 70) said no, they were not ready to take it to a vote,” chapter President Sella Bemrose said, referring to a survey of members made prior to the negotiation team’s last meeting with the district. “They wanted us to keep fighting.”
Contract negotiations started in earnest in July with both sides being far apart on wages and benefits. Ortega attributed the progress made at the bargaining table to the fact the chapter has 100 percent membership.
“The district can’t help but sit up and take notice of that,” he said.
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