November 28th, 2024

Strike Day 16

Teachers walk the picket line Tuesday morning outside the school district office.

​No agreement reached; mediation resumes Friday

Wednesday marks Day 16 of the Albany teachers strike.  A long day of mediation ended at 10:30 p.m. Tuesday with no agreement. Class size remained a sticking point.
   Mediation will resume on Friday.
   Here is part of the Greater Albany Education Association's  update issued after Tuesday’s mediation session:
  "Despite our united front and hours of waiting, management came back with a resounding NO on our final proposal. They refuse to move forward on key issues, including: 
  "• Proposed pay increases for FACT staff, Nurses, and Speech-Language Pathologists.  
  "• Senate Bill 5506 funding for SPED (special education) teacher stipends. The state is offering what could be over $1000 per SPED teacher in extra stipends. The district is rejecting this support, claiming that the associated roll-up costs (taxes and related expenses) are “too expensive.” 
  "• High Class Thresholds.  The district laid out thresholds for class size but they are too big.  They are not willing to make any solid commitments on class size in Albany.    
   “We laid out the clear parts of our class size proposals that are needed to achieve a just settlement, but management refuses to even try a one year pilot to allow Kindergarten and 1st grade teachers to have the professional discretion to know their class is unsafe and overcrowded and they need additional support from certified employees. 
   " Click here to view the GAEA Non Confidential Proposal that was given at 10 pm tonight.  Click here to see the Class Size Proposal."
   "... During the Thanksgiving Holiday, please take a moment to appreciate the youngest kids in your families and communities, and know that we will not stop fighting for them.
   "We hope you enjoy your Thanksgiving weekend!  We will be back at the table on Friday."
   The GAEA plans no picketing or rallies during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.
   To view the full Nov. 26 updates from GAEA and Greater Albany Public Schools, click the buttons below.
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