Unlike 2019’s state legislation that sent new money to school districts for required pay increases, local school boards are responsible for all compensation changes.
Our local unions have been working on campaigns for the past two months pushing for higher pay for all school employees. Here’s a list of recent successes and some ongoing action campaigns to help push for a win.
McAllen AFT’s campaign for raises was successful, as McAllen ISD met most of the compensation plan proposed. The union won a 2.5% raise for all employees, a one-time $3,000 retention pay bonus for all full-time employees, and a $50 per hour summer school rate for teachers.
Alliance/AFT won a huge victory this past week as the Dallas ISD trustees approved the increase of the district-wide minimum wage to $13.50 per hour. Alliance/AFT plans to continue to bring the fight for their additional demands through June 24, when the trustees vote to approve the budget final for the 2021-2022 school year. The union is encouraging its members to write letters to trustees asking them to approve the full union package.
Houston Federation of Teachers successfully lobbied the Houston ISD school board to approve a $2,500 raise for teachers and staff on the teacher pay scale and a $500 retention bonus for all employees who return to HISD in September.
Although this was a huge win for HFT teachers, support staff were left out of this pay increase. Therefore, the union will continue its fight to win raises for support staff. They are encouraging their members to write letters to trustees asking them to pass a pay raise for teaching assistants, clerks, and hourly support personnel.
Northeast Houston AFT won major victories in two of the school districts they represent, Galena Park ISD and Sheldon ISD. School boards in both ISDs approved a 3% pay raise for teachers and support staff.
Aldine AFT will be advocating for an essential 2% pay increase and an additional $1,500 for teachers and support staff in Aldine ISD at the recommendation of their surveyed members. They are encouraging their members to write letters to Aldine ISD trustees asking them to approve their demands.