Greetings,

EXERCISE YOUR RIGHT TO VOTE

We recognize that time is short, but we are encouraging people to read the tentative agreement carefully, ask questions, and give as much thought to this as possible.    Although voting starts today, you have until 7 p.m. Monday to vote.   Please check the MFT Website (www.mft59.org) for schedule information as well as updates to the distributed materials. 

Below are some frequently asked questions (FAQ) on the voting process and what happens if the tentative agreement is rejected. We will be sending a more detailed list of FAQs on the specifics of the proposed contract changes soon.

THE VOTING PROCESS
 
Why do we have to vote at the MFT office?
The MFT59 Elections Committee considered a number of different options for the voting process.  There were two main considerations in deciding on a process.   It needed to be secure (member-only vote) and transparent, and it needed to be accessible.  In weighting these two considerations, it was determined that voting at a single location over multiple days was the best option.
 
What do I need to bring with me to vote?
You need your school ID or another official picture ID.
 
WHO CAN VOTE

You must be a dues paying member (not fairshare) to vote.  When you check-in, if you are not on our list, you may sign up to become a full member at the time of voting.
 
What's important about January 15th?
Under state law, if the vote is not ratified by the members and the school board by Tuesday, January 15th, the state fines the District $25/student (one-time) which is just under one million dollars. 
 
WHAT HAPPENS IF THE TENTATIVE AGREEMENT IS REJECTED

Is a “no” vote the same as a “strike” vote?
No.  If the contract is rejected it means we go back to the beginning of negotiations.  Strike would be an option that our bargaining unit has, but it is not automatic.  It would require a separate vote. 
 
Do we lose a million dollars if we reject the tentative agreement?
Yes.  We will miss the state imposed deadline of January 15th and the District will lose just under one million dollars.
 
Will the million dollars come out of our pay?
It would be one million dollars that the district would no longer has available to spend in their annual budget of over 600 million dollars.  If you divided the amount by the 3000 teachers, it would mean $333/teacher that might not be available for a settlement.
 
If we went on strike, could the Governor order us back to work as “essential” employees?
No.  Teachers are not considered "essential employees" and have the legal right to strike under state law (Public Employee Labor Relations Act, PELRA).

Stay Tuned - More FAQs coming on transfer procedure and other areas of the proposal

In solidarity,

Rob Panning-Miller