HUSD and AEOTE Reach Impasse in Contract Negotiations

Hayward Unified School District is committed to collaborating and working together with our labor partners to finalize our contract negotiations. We are seeking an outcome that benefits employees and maintains the financial sustainability of the district. We believe that maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a respectful dialogue are essential in reaching a mutually agreeable resolution.

Classified employees represented as the Association of Office and Educational Technology Employees (AEOTE) filed for impasse with the Public Employee Relations Board (PERB) on Tuesday, September 26, regarding the remaining open proposals related to personal leave, vacation accrual, health benefits, and telecommuting.

AEOTE represents school site office staff, specialists, translators/interpreters, technology, outreach workers, technicians, and district office staff.

Specific to the district’s proposal regarding health benefits, the district would offer each employee two options to select from. One would maintain the current salary schedule and allow an employee to shop and pay for their own health care coverage, as they have for the last approximately 25 years. The other option would allow an employee to select an increased compensation through a reduced salary and a new district contribution towards health benefits. This proposal was put forth as a means to balance budgetary constraints and ensure the long-term financial stability of the district to maintain essential services to our students, staff, and the community, while maintaining choice for individual employees to select a compensation package to best meet their needs.

Unfortunately, AEOTE declared impasse. Now, the district and AEOTE will move into the mediation stage. A mediator from the California Public Employment Relations Board will be assigned to this negotiations process and seek to reach an agreement between the district and AEOTE.

We would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and appreciate the invaluable contributions of our dedicated staff. Their hard work and commitment to our students are instrumental in the district's success. We want to assure you that the district is committed to finding a fair and sustainable solution that recognizes their dedication.

Our primary focus throughout these negotiations has been, and will continue to be, our students. We are dedicated to creating an environment that supports their educational experience and overall well-being. Any decisions made will be in the best interest of our students and their educational needs.

We understand the importance of a timely resolution and the impact it has on operations and morale. We are working diligently towards resolving the impasse while keeping the best interests of our students, staff, and the community in mind.

We believe that the district and the employee representatives share a common goal of reaching a fair and equitable agreement. The district's proposal is rooted in the need for financial sustainability and the ability to provide quality education for our students.

Thank you for your understanding and support during this negotiation process. We remain committed to working collaboratively with all parties involved to find a resolution that benefits everyone.

Please feel free to reach out to us at madeinhayward@husd.us if you have any questions or concerns. We will continue to keep you updated on significant developments.