District statement on ongoing job action

It is welcome news that the Union has expressed willingness to return to the bargaining table and seek the assistance of a mediator; we see this offer as an indication that the Union is willing to move and compromise to reach an agreement.

The District remains wholeheartedly committed to achieving a collective agreement that is fair for our employees, while balancing fiscal responsibility and ensuring fairness to our taxpayers. Contrary to what has been reported, the District did not remove any money from the total package offered. Rather, the general wage increases to all staff were adjusted to provide more money to the lowest paid employees, to address the Union’s concerns of affordability.

The suggestion of mediation has been referred to the bargaining table. We are hopeful that we can make some real progress, and ideally in short order.