As we begin our bargaining negotiations for the 25-26 school year, I invite each of you to engage in this important process. Together, we stand thousands-strong in a powerful collective, and it is through members engaging in this process that we can achieve meaningful change for our educators. Sometimes people misunderstand the bargaining process thinking it all happens with the small team at the table. But significant change and improvements can happen when everyone understands they are all the Union, and take part in this process together. The other significant factor that affects bargaining is building membership. There is strength in numbers and we invite you to talk to one colleague about joining you in this fight. It is time for those on the sidelines to join us.

We are committed to sharing updates throughout the process and giving you opportunities to be involved, to complete surveys so your voice is heard, to write emails to board members to share your stories and insights, to wear red in solidarity, attend board meetings, sign petitions, or any number of activities that may come up.

One way we are ensuring your voice is heard is by adding an expanded Bargaining Committee in addition to the Bargaining Team that goes to the table. This committee at different times will be composed of Association Reps, subgroup representatives, and a new position called School Bargaining Liaison. We have invited every OCPS school/worksite to have a Bargaining Liaison to participate in this process. They will be able to communicate updates at their school and also share with the Committee and Team concerns and feedback from their schools.

We have celebrated many victories recently, but our fight for better wages, benefits, and working conditions is far from over. I invite you to stay informed and be part of this process because YOU are the Union and we need your voice to ensure the district and the school board understand our educators need them to prioritize improving this profession!

Let’s make a difference together!

In Solidarity,

Clinton McCracken

Orange CTA President