If you are a teacher or staff member in the Lake Washington School District (LWSD), you may be curious about the bargaining agreement that governs your employment. A bargaining agreement, also known as a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), is a contract negotiated between the school district and the employee union that outlines the terms and conditions of employment. In this article, we will explore the LWSD bargaining agreement and what it means for you.
The current LWSD bargaining agreement covers the period of September 1, 2018, through August 31, 2021. It was negotiated between the district and the Lake Washington Education Association (LWEA), which represents teachers, nurses, counselors, and other certificated staff. The agreement also covers certain classified staff, such as instructional assistants and office professionals, who are represented by the Public School Employees of Washington (PSE).
One of the most important aspects of the bargaining agreement is salary and benefits. Under the current agreement, certificated staff received a 10.1% increase in base salary over the three-year period. This includes a 3.3% increase for the 2018-19 school year, a 3.4% increase for the 2019-20 school year, and a 3.4% increase for the 2020-21 school year. Classified staff received a 12.8% increase in base salary over the same period.
In addition to salary, the agreement also outlines health insurance benefits, sick leave, and retirement contributions. For example, certificated staff receive a $1,200 annual stipend for health insurance, and can choose between several different plans. The district also contributes to a retirement plan on behalf of each employee. Classified staff have similar benefits, but with different contributions and eligibility criteria.
The bargaining agreement also covers working conditions and job security. It establishes class size limits, which vary depending on the grade level and subject area. For example, a high school English class cannot exceed 30 students, while a middle school science class cannot exceed 28 students. The agreement also includes provisions for workload, planning time, and professional development.
Finally, the bargaining agreement outlines the grievance procedure for resolving disputes between employees and the district. If an employee believes that the district has violated the terms of the agreement, they can file a grievance. The procedure involves several steps, including a meeting with the immediate supervisor, a meeting with the principal or director, and eventually, a hearing before a neutral third party.
In conclusion, the LWSD bargaining agreement is a crucial document that governs the terms and conditions of employment for teachers, staff, and other employees in the district. It covers salary, benefits, working conditions, and grievance procedures. If you have any questions or concerns about the agreement, you can contact your union representative or the district`s human resources department.