Posts tagged Fresno Teachers Association
Teachers strike averted in Fresno schools. District, union reach contract agreement
November 3, 2023 // Bonilla said the new contract includes progress on the four major union priorities: “across the board” class size reduction, reduced special education caseload, competitive pay for teachers and nurses, and continued and stable health coverage. Additionally, Bonilla said the agreement includes investments in new classroom spaces, comprehensive special education caseload guidelines and “an actionable plan” to get a nurse at every school site, multi-million dollar investments in students’ social-emotional support and a competitive salary package.
California school district offering substitute teachers $500 per day to cross teachers’ picket line
October 26, 2023 // Teachers in Fresno, California, have authorized a strike, and to fill the temporary vacancies, the school district is sending out a state-wide call for substitute teachers with a lucrative offer — $500 per day to cross the picket line. That's more than the average daily pay for a full-time teacher in Fresno Unified School District and more than double the normal daily rate for substitute teachers. If someone accepts a job in the classroom while the teachers are on strike, it will be regarded as crossing the picket line, according to Fresno Teachers Association President Manuel Bonilla. Guest teachers are not a part of the association, and if they teach during the strike they won't be blacklisted, but Bonilla said it will undoubtedly damage personal relationships with teachers fighting for a fair contract.
Fresno Teachers Cheer as Union Chief Rips Up District’s Latest Contract Offer. Then Strike Vote Begins.
October 20, 2023 // Teachers have been working without a contract since June 30. Union officials say there are four major points of contention. FTA wants teacher salary increases tied to the rate of inflation, status quo on the district’s per-employee contribution to the health fund, smaller class sizes, and smaller special education caseloads. The union needs to stand firm on its demands, said Gromis, a 15-year teacher. Union President Manuel Bonilla drew cheers when he produced what he said was the district’s “latest offer. And I have a pen. Should I sign it, or should I rip it up?” he asked the crowd, who chanted “rip it up” and then cheered when he tore it in half.
Is a Contract Close? Teachers Say They’re Getting ‘Strike-Ready.’ FUSD Plans Update on Talks.
October 13, 2023 // Fresno Unified Superintendent Bob Nelson and other district leaders have scheduled a news conference for Friday morning to provide an update about contract negotiations with the Fresno Teachers Association. The news conference will be at 11:30 a.m. in the downtown Education Center. Nelson will be joined by School Board members and “additional leaders,” the district said in a news release Thursday afternoon. Fresno Teachers Association leaders declined to comment to GV Wire.