|
Public Relations > News: Contract Negotiations > Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Recognizing that community members may have questions regarding the teacher contract negotiation process, the Souderton Area School District has provided this list of frequently asked questions to help address some of the concerns you might have about how this process could affect your family.
Question:
I have heard that the teachers' union held a strike authorization vote. Does this mean there will be a strike?
Answer: No. A strike authorization vote means that the union membership gives the union leadership the authority to call a strike in the future. We remain optimistic that a strike can be averted through continued negotiations, but ultimately the decision rests with the teachers' union.
Question: If the teachers' union calls a strike, when would it begin?
Answer: By law, unions are required to notify the school district of their intent to strike at least 48 hours in advance.
Question: Will school be held during a teachers' strike?
Answer: No. The district has made arrangements with the YMCA to provide care for Souderton Area School District students in the event of a strike. While this is no substitute for school, it provides an option for working parents who will need care for their children during the work stoppage. Please see the following link for details about locations, fees and registration: Child Care Information in the Event of a Teacher Work Stoppage.
Question: How will parents be notified about a strike, should one occur?
Answer: Once the District receives strike notification, it will alert parents using the Connect-Ed system, through which you will receive an email and phone call regarding the status of school the following day. Notices will also be posted daily on the district Web site, www.soudertonsd.org, and on SATV Channel 28. You may also call our hotline number at 215-723-4272.
Question: How long can the teachers remain on strike?
Answer: The length of a teachers' strike depends on when the strike is initiated. The later a strike occurs during a school year, the shorter the work stoppage. Act 88 specifies that the first strike must end if 180 days of school cannot be completed by June 15th of the following year. If a strike occurs at the beginning of school (the longest the first strike can last), the strike usually lasts approximately 3-1/2 calendar weeks.
Following the first teachers strike, the Board and the teachers union would be required to submit to mandatory nonbinding arbitration. Following the mandatory nonbinding arbitration process, which could take place over as little as 65 calendar days but usually lasts much longer, a second strike can take place. The second strike must end when 180 days of school cannot be completed by June 30th. Typically the second strike does not last more than two calendar weeks. All of these processes can be shortened if the parties enter into a collective bargaining agreement.
Question: What happens if there is no strike? Can teachers come back to work even though their contract expired?
Answer: If there is no strike, we will continue to negotiate with the union until we are able to reach an agreement and teachers will return to work under the terms of their expired contract. This means they will continue being paid and receiving benefits until a new contract is ratified by both sides.
Question: What are the next steps in the negotiation process?
Answer: The next negotiation session has been set for Monday, Aug. 25th. The Souderton Area School Board has also offered to meet with union officials as often as possible so that a contract may be reached prior to the start of school.
Question: How can I find out more about the negotiation process?
Answer: The Souderton Area School District will be sending out a newsletter in August to inform the community about contract negotiations. In addition, a "Negotiation Update" cable program will begin airing on SATV, Comcast Channel 28. You may also visit the Web site, www.soudertonsd.org, for updates and important community information.
|
