EAA Expresses Frustration with Collective Bargaining Resolution Draft

The Education Association of Alexandria turned out 45 members to express their frustrations with the collective bargaining resolution draft released to the public on February 22, 2024.

In a follow up performance from February 22, educator Jovita Gill cited an article from Forbes which highlighted the dire working conditions facing America's educators and the need to empower educators to see our public-school systems improve.

These dire working conditions were further described by bus driver Devita Grose when she talked about the types of hazards she and other transportation workers every day. This included being required to clean their buses without being given the time to do so and being threatened by students who "know they will not be held accountable."

Cora Kelly teacher, Kristy Shoaf, kept the momentum of the educator's remarks stating that being a teacher was a calling for her and she should be fairly compensated for doing the hard work of inspiring student to love this like learning and reading.

Cora Kelly's strong presence at the meeting continued when educator Ashley Roeder detailed the mental load, she and other teachers go through to ensure their students, special needs and all, felt supported, which was negatively juxtaposed by the lack of respect she feels from our leaders in ACPS.

Jefferson-Houston teacher, David Paladin-Fernandez, took another route to express his frustration during his 17th time speaking on collective bargaining. Instead of speaking about his personal experiences, he chose to criticize the lack of educator voice in the collective bargaining resolution process, even going so far as to highlight the anti-labor reputation of Isler Dare, the law firm ACPS hired to help them draft the collective bargaining resolution.

Despite what the educators specifically talked about, they all shared the same themes expressed by EAA President, Dawn Lucas, who called for all employees to receive the right to collective bargaining, the ability to negotiate over all topics, the elimination of the voter participation threshold, and the revising of the problematic language included in the CBR draft.

However, it was not only educators who attended in support of educators achieving collective bargaining rights. This included poignant remarks from Denis Michael Freel, who utilized his position as a lobbyist for the Virginia Education Association and executive of the National Education Association to see how collective bargaining helps educators across the country.

Co-Chair of the Alexandria Democrats Labor Caucus, Russell Burns Davis, echoed Mr. Paladin-Fernandez comments, stating that "the proposal prepared by a lawyer is favorable to management." He then called for many revisions to be made to the draft before being cut off for going over his 3-minute limit.

Former ACPS parent and 45-year Alexandria resident Dorthea Peters was the last community member to speak in support of collective bargaining draft revisions. As a retired lawyer she implored the Board to "open up" the draft to help the school system to keep their best people.

However, in perhaps the most impactful statement of the evening, ACPS janitor, Tyrone Mccutchin. His remarks lasted ~30 seconds, but his message was powerful. He stated in his 26 years in ACPS he has seen it all, and that in his opinion listening to the educators in the room would serve the School Board best.

We agree Mr. Mccutchin. Let's hope we see the School Board make the necessary revisions to the collective bargaining resolution draft at their next work session on March 7th.

-Alex's Pen