Arbitration ruling on Reopening

[Anonymous]

https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/dc-schools-teachers-union-reopening/2021/01/28/fff130a4-616d-11eb-afbe-9a11a127d146_story.html

Can someone explain to me how this will play out on Monday? Our school has done so much work preparing kids to switch classes, including meeting new teachers. Are they really going to scrap the reopening at this point?

[Anonymous]

No one can tell you OP.

The arbitration judge will listen to each side, consider any evidence submitted and see if DCPS has failed to live up to what it said it would do. The option to go to arbitration - at either side’s behest - was part of the agreement.

If DCPS is found to be in breach, opening might be delayed OR DCPS would have to fix whatever is screwed up over the weekend. All parties know the clock is ticking.

[Anonymous]

This is the part that isn't clear - i.e. can the arbiter actually issue an opinion that would delay Monday's reopening? If for example, the arbiter rules that DPCS violated all the complaints filed by the WTU, would the result be no reopening on February 1st?

"If the arbiter does not rule in the union’s favor — or takes too long to rule — Washington Teachers’ Union President Elizabeth Davis said she is considering seeking an injunction, which she believes could delay the reopening of schools."

There is not going to be a system-wide strike of teachers. The union only requires a quorum that is under 5%, even if it approves there is no indication that the majority of teachers support it.

Many teachers are completely disassociated with what is happening with the union right now.

[Anonymous]

Is there a way to see which schools are supposedly in breach of contract with repairs? I wonder if those who aren’t can open up as planned or if there will be a systemic delay.

[Anonymous]

For those of us in unrenovated schools with windows sealed shut, I don’t blame WTU for wanting to see paperwork about upgraded HVAC systems.

[Anonymous]

I didn't even know this was going on. I do believe DCPS should hold up their end of the bargain and make sure ALL HVACS are fixed. It would be crazy if they touted it was safe but didn't hold up their end of the bargain at all schools.

[Anonymous]

I think the issue is that the WTU is clearly using this as a tactic and trying to shift the goalposts. They have not identified a single school with a specific issue by name. I am not denying that there may be school specific issues that need addressing, but (1) it’s not clear that this is the best way to do that and (2) that is clearly not the WTU’s actual goal. Look at the materials re: the WTU’s protest this weekend, it is not at all about MOA breaches but, once again, shifting the goalposts (this plan is inequitable... not until every teacher vaccinated... not until it’s safe (no definition)... nothing about MOA breaches & desired solutions).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think the issue is that the WTU is clearly using this as a tactic and trying to shift the goalposts. They have not identified a single school with a specific issue by name. I am not denying that there may be school specific issues that need addressing, but (1) it’s not clear that this is the best way to do that and (2) that is clearly not the WTU’s actual goal. Look at the materials re: the WTU’s protest this weekend, it is not at all about MOA breaches but, once again, shifting the goalposts (this plan is inequitable... not until every teacher vaccinated... not until it’s safe (no definition)... nothing about MOA breaches & desired solutions).

This. I also believe some tours of buildings were by folks (parents, teachers, union reps) looking for any tiny thing so as to create a way to prevent opening. I saw one video of a walk through and that was my distinct impression. Much like a property inspector. A decent arbitration might try to create win-win and repairs done this weekend.

[Anonymous]

Is a reason their complaint is not public? Would love to see it.

[Anonymous]

If nothing else, arbitration seems more likely to broker some kind of solution rather than continue an endless stalemate that serves no one well.

Having worked with DCPS (not as a teacher), I am inclined to be sympathetic to the union given the horrific state of many DCPS facilities and the apparent lack of interest in repairing them over the years. But this situation is obviously not working for anyone and needs to be resolved from the outside since they cannot do it on their own.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This is the part that isn't clear - i.e. can the arbiter actually issue an opinion that would delay Monday's reopening? If for example, the arbiter rules that DPCS violated all the complaints filed by the WTU, would the result be no reopening on February 1st?

"If the arbiter does not rule in the union’s favor — or takes too long to rule — Washington Teachers’ Union President Elizabeth Davis said she is considering seeking an injunction, which she believes could delay the reopening of schools."

There is not going to be a system-wide strike of teachers. The union only requires a quorum that is under 5%, even if it approves there is no indication that the majority of teachers support it.

Many teachers are completely disassociated with what is happening with the union right now.

That means the union is not doing what it’s meant to do. Shameful.

[Anonymous]

Our two children are supposed to go on Monday and I am really hoping for a delay. Every day feels less safe. I think the impending snow storm is a sign. Stay virtual until teachers have their second dose.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Our two children are supposed to go on Monday and I am really hoping for a delay. Every day feels less safe. I think the impending snow storm is a sign. Stay virtual until teachers have their second dose.

I mean, you could have declined.

[<--- desperately in need of a place for her 4th grader who is flailing]

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think the issue is that the WTU is clearly using this as a tactic and trying to shift the goalposts. They have not identified a single school with a specific issue by name. I am not denying that there may be school specific issues that need addressing, but (1) it’s not clear that this is the best way to do that and (2) that is clearly not the WTU’s actual goal. Look at the materials re: the WTU’s protest this weekend, it is not at all about MOA breaches but, once again, shifting the goalposts (this plan is inequitable... not until every teacher vaccinated... not until it’s safe (no definition)... nothing about MOA breaches & desired solutions).

Exactly. Makes you wonder how many out there aren’t seeing straight through this. Unfortunately WTU can probably continue to work the system to stall until someone comes up with a creative way to change the playing field. Not sure bowser has that ability.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think the issue is that the WTU is clearly using this as a tactic and trying to shift the goalposts. They have not identified a single school with a specific issue by name. I am not denying that there may be school specific issues that need addressing, but (1) it’s not clear that this is the best way to do that and (2) that is clearly not the WTU’s actual goal. Look at the materials re: the WTU’s protest this weekend, it is not at all about MOA breaches but, once again, shifting the goalposts (this plan is inequitable... not until every teacher vaccinated... not until it’s safe (no definition)... nothing about MOA breaches & desired solutions).

This. I also believe some tours of buildings were by folks (parents, teachers, union reps) looking for any tiny thing so as to create a way to prevent opening. I saw one video of a walk through and that was my distinct impression. Much like a property inspector. A decent arbitration might try to create win-win and repairs done this weekend.

Can you post the link please? I noticed the video I was shown didn’t even look like our school. I sent it to my sons teacher snd he confirmed it wasn’t even their school!

I’ve noticed principals have been quiet and I have no idea how safe the school really is. Last year the windows didn’t open, the kid’s wore jackets and moved to different parts of the school because the heater was broken. I complained but was told there were over a thousand tickets with DGS priority over the one Suggested.

I be no idea if schools are ready to open. Who has been on a walk through?

I’m hoping some of the millions went to actual repairs and upgrades of HVAc systems rather than some expensive air filters.

Is this why the WTU filed or was it to delay until vaccines kick in atriums early March like the other districts?