The United Teachers of South Washington County pled with the District 833 School Board recently in hopes they could end their negotiation and hammer out the deals of their latest contract. The two groups will meet with a state-appointed mediator in the coming weeks to discuss the situation.

Negotiations were underway for a two year contract, but talks came to a halt in late February, causing the union to announce they had reached an impasse. Both groups filed for mediation, but it is still possible that they could meet before mediation to resume negotiations. Both sides have stated their positions have not changed and there are currently no meetings planned before the mediation.

The most recent contract expired last June. Teachers continued to work without a contract, but were the only union that did not have a current contract with the district. After 11 negotiation sessions, the two groups were unable to agree on salary increases for the teachers, as well as a proposal to change how positions are filled throughout the district area schools. The teachers claim their pay rate is below the state average, as well as less than those in comparative districts nearby. They also claim administrative salaries are above average.

Another sticking point is a teacher transfer article. Currently, positions are filled based on seniority. Union leaders support this, but the district would prefer hiring and transfers are handled differently and not based on only the number of years of service.

Union members continue to hold rallies and speak out on their situation.