Columbus teachers are back at the bargaining table
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Columbus teachers and school board members head back to the bargaining table Monday to begin hashing out a new employment contract.
Why it matters: Union negotiations typically happen behind-the-scenes with little fanfare, but that won't be the case this year — these are the first since the 2022 teachers strike.
- They also come at a tense, uncertain time for educators locally and nationwide.
Catch up quick: The current Columbus Education Association contract, which ended the three-day strike, expires in mid-August.
- Air conditioning in all schools was a key part of the 2022 deal, which also guaranteed reduced class sizes and 4% yearly base pay raises to the union's 4,500 members.
- This year's campaign launched March 6 with a promo video.
The big picture: Also this year, Columbus voters will elect new school board members as district leaders work on a plan to eventually close schools.
- Educators across Ohio are meanwhile grappling with COVID learning loss, proposed state budget cuts, new state laws concerning conservative culture wars, and President Trump's attempted dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education.
What they're saying: "We're fighting everybody," CEA president John Coneglio tells Axios. "But I know that every day our members are fighting for kids and their education."
- Coneglio said it's too early to discuss specific goals.
The intrigue: To improve transparency, a parent observer from the Columbus Education Justice Coalition advocacy group — formed during the 2022 strike — will be at the table for every negotiation session.
- A "rank-and-file member" not on the bargaining team will also be present, Coneglio says.
The other side: Columbus City Schools is "committed to a collaborative and respectful process aimed at achieving a fair agreement for our students, educators and the Columbus community," per a statement from spokesperson Tyler Carter.
- "The district recognizes and values the hard work, dedication and expertise of its teachers, and we look forward to continuing to work together to ensure that our educators are supported in their important work."
What we're watching: While bargaining happens behind closed doors, draft union contracts are public records in Ohio. They could provide insight into key issues in the coming months.