Open-to-All, Free Class Will Demystify Collective Bargaining

“Bargaining for Everyone: Understanding the Power of Collective Negotiations,” will be offered from 6-8 p.m. MDT Oct. 22 on Zoom by the IEA Collective Bargaining Council. Registration is free and will close one hour before the class begins. All public school employees, not just IEA members, are invited to attend this session.  

“Bargaining is a powerful tool, but it can be intimidating if you’re not familiar with how it works,” says Jason McKinley, IEA region director and coordinator of IEA’s bargaining programs. “We want to demystify the process so all school personnel know how they can help their team negotiate the best possible agreement. We truly believe everyone can play a role in collective bargaining because we’ve seen the process work time after time.”  

The training will cover:  

• Bargaining Myths: What is — and isn’t — true about the bargaining process.
• What Is Bargaining?: An overview of how negotiations work and how negotiations impact staff working conditions and the learning environment for students. 
• The Role of the Union: Understand how the union advocates for you.
• How You Can Help: Learn practical ways you can support your bargaining team and ensure your voice is heard. 

“There’s a common misconception that you have to be on a bargaining team to make a difference,” IEA Region Director Brooke Calderon says. “The truth is, everyone can do their part to ensure their colleagues have a living wage, good benefits, job security and respect. That’s the power of collective bargaining.”  

Although school districts are months away from negotiations, now is the time to get ahead of the game. “It’s never too early to begin preparing for your local’s negotiations,” says McKinley. “What IEA has learned over decades of guiding members is that the locals which start preparing early almost always end up with the best results for their district’s educators.”   

The upcoming class is just one of the ways members can sharpen their collective bargaining skills. IEA’s Collective Bargaining Council also offers regular trainings via Zoom for members, and region directors are always eager to help locals prep for negotiations. To learn more, ask your region director or visit the bargaining and negotiations class page.