We're just a few months away from the start of an important event in all our lives: the bargaining of a new NEASO/NEA contract. The current contract is in effect through May 31, 2009. Bargaining may start as
early as March, and preparation is underway to secure the best settlement possible.

The Bargaining Team has been selected by the NEASO Board of Directors:

David Schlein (CBMA)  -- David will be acting as Chief Spokesman.  He has a long history as a Labor Leader and has served on numerous negotiation teams in the past.  He also serves as Chief Shop Steward.
 
Jessica Brinkley (ESPQ) -- Jessica is a member of the NEASO BOD’s and served on the last bargaining team for NEASO HDQ.  She has served on a number of committees and is a strong advocate for her NEASO colleagues.
 
Marilyn Hutton (CBMA)-- Marilyn co-chairs our grievance committee.  She has worked with her co-chair to streamline the grievance process, built the grievance committee to involve many more NEASO members, and served as a NEASO advocate for more than 10 years. She has served as legal counsel during previous bargaining of NEASO contracts.
 
Susan Nogan (EPP) –- Susan is a member of the NEASO BOD’s and has been Chief Shop Steward.  She brings to the table characteristics I consider important – attention to detail, an inquiring mind, and litigation experience.
 
Joel Solomon (CBMA)--Joel serves on the joint healthcare committee and as a NEASO representative on the Retirement Board. He worked on health care and pension issues while at AFL/CIO.
 
Dan DiJames (NEASO Executive Director/General Counsel) --  Before Dan came to serve as NEASO’s ED/GC he negotiated many contracts on behalf of his clients while he was an attorney at Woodley & McGillivary. As he’s been involved in all of NEASO’s negotiations with NEA over the past 18 months, he has a clear idea of changes needed to our current contract.
 
How You Can Help:

• Fill out the upcoming Bargaining Goals and Priorities survey.
  The information you provide will help the Team focus efforts on negotiating the workplace issues most important to you.

• Join the Organizing Committee.
  The Organizing Committee will plan activities for uniting around bargaining goals. Contact your shop steward to join up.
• Attend upcoming meetings or rallies about the contract.
  
  
• Stay involved at a level that's comfortable for you.
  Bargaining a new contract is never easy but in times of recession and
  cutbacks it may be harder than ever.  Let's be prepared to provide
  mutual support and encouragement to our colleagues during Bargaining
  2009. A united and active membership is the key to obtaining a good
  contract.

In solidarity,

Moira Saucedo
Bargaining Committee chair