HDTA Negotiations

The William S. Hart District has not given any accommodations to its staff members since COVID, refusing to raise wages to reflect inflation prices. Nominal wages, which are what the district has been choosing to focus on, do not reflect, nor are adjusted for inflation. Real wages, on the other hand, are accurate depictions of the economic state of the nation and thus the accurate wages given to a company’s workers.

The Hart District Teachers Association (or HDTA) has been pushing for an increase in their real wages, but the school district refuses to give them a raise of any percentage. Not only are teachers actively losing money due to inflation, but they are expected to work exhausting hours with no proper compensation for their efforts. 

If both sides cannot reach an agreement, an impasse is inevitable. Defined as a situation in which no progress can be made or no advancement is possible, an impasse in negotiations means that the teachers’ union is steps closer to striking. Striking is a drastic measure of protest, however, and is always considered the final option during negotiations like this.

The negotiation process 

The teachers have been working hard to fight for reasonable pay and a fair contract.  The negotiations began in May of 2023, and so far they have not been given much to work with. Currently, the same contracts are being used, as there has been an offer for a 0% salary increase from the William S. Hart District after the teachers asked for an 8.22% salary increase, which is a number based on the money the district was given to cover the cost of living adjustment. 

This process has not been easy for anyone. Students are facing the consequences as they are no longer being offered any additional help after school hours. Teachers are refusing to work these extra hours unpaid, and the District is not working with them making It difficult for teachers as well. The cost of living has been steadily increasing, and their salaries are not increasing at a rate to keep up with that. 

As of right now, it is unclear what the future holds for these negotiations. One thing is for sure, the teachers are not backing down, and are prepared to do what it takes to stand up for their rights.