In this year’s negotiations, the Professional Staff Organization offered a series of proposals to the Indiana State Teachers Association which were centered on our shared values of just compensation, fair consideration for employees’ families, and a transparent, principled workplace. The two organizations recently ratified a new two-year contract which secured advancement in each of these priority areas.
Closing the Salary Gap
- The settlement includes a salary increase of 5.5% over the next two years. This builds on the progress of last year’s settlement by including real cost of living adjustments that keep pace with the current rate of inflation.
- Additionally, significant increases were made to severance packages for employees, providing funds that can be used to offset the cost of health care or other expenses which might otherwise delay retirement.
Creating a Family Friendly Workplace
- This contract guarantees 12 weeks of paid family leave for new parents, as recommended by organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics. This is the same benefit PSO members advocate for on behalf of the members of ISTA.
- The agreement also expands the window in which employees can utilize their bereavement leave. This improvement recognizes that the events surrounding the loss of a love one are rarely linear, requiring flexibility to allow employees to provide their family with support during a difficult time. Importantly, the policy has also been updated to include the loss of an unborn child.
Increasing Transparency
- ISTA has agreed to cover costs associated with travel for observers of meetings of the Board of Directors, removing barriers that might otherwise prevent information regarding these meetings from reaching our members.
- A new hiring committee was established, providing an opportunity for ISTA’s management, elected governance, and staff to share information regarding future employees. This committee establishes new pathways for applicants who previously faced obstacles to employment, while preserving the input of local leaders – a priority championed by PSO.
- Regular labor management discussion was codified, including scheduled topic exchanges to ensure each side can come prepared to engage in meaningful conversation.
