Milton Freewater

Are you bargaining this year? Maybe working without a contract? You aren't alone. One of Columbia River UniServ locals, Milton Freewater Education Association, has been working without a contract since July. Over the past few years MFEA has taken raises of 0%, 1.5%, 2% and 2% while the school district ended last year with a
$6.2 million ending balance (43% of their general fund). Hmmmm, that doesn't add up. In this wall-to-wall unit the ESP group has especially felt the pinch with rising health insurance costs, a rising CPI and a paycheck that can't keep up with inflation.

MFEA has been negotiating since November of 2006 with little movement from the school district. In October both teams agreed to go to mediation which was delayed because the Employer Relations Board is short-handed and the Multnomah ESD strike took precedence. The first official mediation session took place on January 24. The above photo shows MFEA employees and community members picketing to show support for the bargaining team. President Laurie Hackney indicated that there was some progress but another mediation session has been scheduled for February 27.

Please send these members your support and let them know that you agree with them. For the latest information click on the "Milton Freewater Education Association" advocacy link (below, right).