Agenda Text
title
In his capacity as President, conveying an update on the School Committee's negotiations with Somerville Teachers Association Unit C Paraprofessionals.
body
Official Text
To the Honorable City Council:
I am writing to inform you of developments regarding the negotiations between the School Committee and STA Unit C Paraprofessionals. The School Committee recently withdrew their last offer to the Somerville Teachers Union. This action is due to the unprecedented Covid-19 pandemic. I could write a lengthy explanation, but the summary is “we don’t know.” We don’t know what the city budget will look like, and we don’t know what local, state or federal revenue or aid we will receive nor do we know what additional expenses we will incur to during this public health crisis to get through these trying times.
Because of this uncertainty the School Committee is not willing to make any promises they cannot keep. I agree with their sentiments. The School Committee previously made several offers to finalize the contract, each more substantial than the previous. I believe they were ready to continue negotiating right before the pandemic turned everything upside down. I believe City officials and the School Committee are being sincere when they withdrew their offer due to recent uncertainties.
This withdrawal should not be taken as refusal to negotiate a contract. In fact I am surprised and impressed any negotiations are still happening while we deal with this crisis. We are simply acknowledging the uncertainty we are facing. I strongly believe in not making promises that I can’t keep. Even though I passionately want to settle this paraprofessional contract and assist our employees during these trying times, we simply cannot guarantee that anything we offer today can be upheld in the future. I ask for this Council’s patience while we weather this storm.