In AFT President Randi Weingarten’s latest New York Times  column, she describes what it is exactly that unions do. Though unions are the most popular they have been in decades, anti-union sentiment still thrives in red states and across the nation. “Several years ago, The Atlantic ran a story whose headline made even me, a labor leader, scratch my head: ‘Union Membership: Very Sexy,’” Weingarten writes in the column. “The gist was that higher wages, health benefits and job security—all associated with union membership—boost one’s chances of getting married. Belonging to a union doesn’t actually guarantee happily ever after, but it does help working people have a better life in the here and now.” Click through to read the full column.

July 12th 2018

Greetings Classified Staff!! 

 We now have an opening as a Trustee on the Chapter Executive Team.

 With the vacancy of the President and Trustee position, we will be taking nominations at our September chapter meeting.    

The September Chapter meeting will be held on September 11^th at 5:30 pm in the library at Thurston High School.    

 We will accept nominations again at the October chapter meeting at which time, nominations close and balloting occurs.

Our October chapter meeting will be held on October 9^th at 5:30pm in the library at Springfield High School. 

 Our constitution

With the vacancy of the President position, we will be taking nominations at our September chapter meeting.    

The September Chapter meeting will be held on September 11^th at 5:30 pm in the library at Thurston High School.    

We will accept nominations again at the October chapter meeting at which time, nominations close and balloting occurs.

Our October chapter meeting will be held on October 9^th at 5:30pm in the library at Springfield High School. 

Our constitution requires a 15 day notification prior to the Sept chapter meeting, so you’ll see this again over the summer, on our Facebook

Dear Staff:

I am happy to announce, the District and the OSEA Chapter 4 Executive Team have been meeting to put together an opportunity for Classified staff to access funds for professional development opportunities. We have $40,000 to use for individual requests each school year. Staff members may receive funds only once every two years. If you apply and are not awarded funds you may reapply. Individual grants shall not exceed $1500 per person. If you were to use a personal leave day for a conference the professional development fund will match that day to cover the second day you will be gone

Just a reminder of the opportunities for you to vote on the new contract. 

You must have a “Signed” membership card on file with the State office to be eligible to vote.  I have attached one to print off for those who have not completed one.

They must be turned in before the May 1^st meeting.

We reached a tentative agreement with the District on a new contract.  An informational meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 1^st in the Library at  Thurston High School at 6:00 pm.  We will present you with an overview and a summary of changes, and then allow time for questions and answers.  

You will then

We are currently in negotiations and my team is working extremely hard to get us a fair contract.  If you didn't  know,  our current contract expires on June 30th, 2018 at midnight.  We will soon have bargained a new contract for you to vote on and ratify.

  If you are not currently a member, you will need to fill out a membership card. If you need a membership card please contact me.  

For those of you that are new to the district or have just not signed up, you will need to be a member to vote.  This is where I need your help!  

Kim Donaghe, our fabulous Treasurer and Secretary for our chapter