Finally - a contract!

I am a member of my local's negotiating team. We started negotiating last spring and did not wrap up until two weeks ago. It has been a long haul. The teacher's union and the district argued over small things like the number of staff meetings allowed and big items like how many sick days can be banked for purposes of payout at the time of retirement. The time spent at the bargaining table and at planning sessions was more than I had anticipated. I ended up being very far behind on grading papers and helping out on housework. My husband has a tremendous amount of patience and I truly appreciate it.

In the end, we got a small pay increase, a big increase in the amount of bankable days for retirement severance (at the expense of new hirees) , and most importantly, no concessions on health care co-pays.

I am thrilled that I will not be negotiating during my leave. I can focus on my goals, my family, and myself. I am glad, however, that I was a part of the bargaining team. I learned a lot and the opportunity gave me concrete issues to think about as I contemplate my future in teaching and in the union. You see, when this contract expires we will elect new officers. I am already the secretary, a job that I have enjoyed. But, our president has more than suggested that this was the last contract that he will negotiate. Many people are looking to me to step into that position. It is my own fault. I have never been shy about expressing my interest in the president's spot. I believe that I can do a good job. I cannot logically tell you why I believe so. The district is not healthy and it doesn't look like administration has any clue on how to cure the many problems. The economy in the state of Michigan is awful and I don't expect it to get better anytime soon. NCLB is a terrible law that is driving education into privatize hands. Yet, I am delusional enough to believe that I can ride in on a white horse and help the union and the district.

Hopefully, the next year allows to examine this issue a little more in depth and a little more dispassionately than I normally do.