For Immediate Release: March 21, 2019
Contact: Joshua Harris [email protected]
ICYMI: Educators Show Up in Numbers for Contract Negotiation
Nearly 200 Prince George’s County Educators, Students, and Parents Showed Up to Participate in Collective Bargaining Negotiations for Prince George’s County Educators
Prince George’s County, MD: The negotiations team for Prince George’s County Educators met for an open bargaining session to negotiate the upcoming teacher/educator contracts. These bargaining sessions are open to the public so that educators, parents and the community can see the full negotiation process.
“As the labor union that represents the teachers, we work hard to get them the best possible contract,” said PGCEA President Theresa Mitchell Dudley. Some our request have been rejected by Prince George’s County Public Schools but this is not the last negotiation session and we will continue to fight because we know that what is best for our educators is best for our students, our schools and our communities.”
The hall was packed with nearly 200 negotiation participants, including 4 representatives from PGCPS.
“This was my first time attending a Bargaining for the Common Good Session. I was immensely pleased with what I heard. At times it was hard to contain myself with all the excitement that I felt listening to the committee speak on our behalf. They were the voice of the people… the sentiment of our hearts. I hung on every word, story after story, as I thought to myself, “that’s exactly how I feel.” I have often heard co-workers at my school say that they don’t trust or support the union because they have hidden agendas and ulterior motives, and they don’t speak up for us. Well, I can say that without a shadow of a doubt, based on what I heard, that’s not true. I am confident that the individuals sitting at the bargaining table have our best interest at heart. I plan to go back to my building and share what we heard tonight. My FAC Chair and I took copious notes. Our plan is to inform everyone that we have a strong voice at the table that represents us.”
-Itari Hinds
Stephen Decatur Middle School
The House of Delegates has passed a balanced budget that would put $325 million into classrooms across the state, in line with recommendations of the Commission on Innovation and Excellence in Education. The budget under consideration in the Senate puts far less new money into our classrooms. It does not include the proposed level of new funding for special education. It is vital that state legislators fully fund the recommendations of the Kirwan Commission if Prince George’s County Educators are to receive the compensation and resource increases that they deserve.
If you would like to more information or to request an interview with PGCEA President Theresa Dudley, contact Joshua Harris (443)939.2043 [email protected]
