Union demands advance notice and detailed data before district contracts out work

Under Article 4, the union proposes that the district provide detailed information when it contemplates contracting out work: job title, job description and comparisons to like positions so the association can assess whether work should remain in the bargaining unit. Amber said access to those specifics helps the association allay member fears and determine whether contracting out is appropriate or temporary.

The union also proposed a timeline tied to bargaining practice: mediation at 90 days after a demand to bargain and an overall 135-day process that gives time for mediation and an implementation or strike decision. "PECPA doesn't require mediation over this, but we think mediation has always served us well for both sides," Amber said, explaining the rationale for preserving mediation and matching timing to other change-to-mandatory-subjects rules.

Participants discussed the difference between long-term replacements and short-term temporary help; union negotiators said some contracting (for example temporary ESD support) can benefit members if appropriately managed, but full transparency is needed so the association can assess impacts and bargain incentives where necessary.

Negotiators asked clarifying questions and agreed to continue refining the information requirements and timelines in follow-up drafting.