Bargaining & Negotiation Overview
As a union, we have the power to negotiate a contract that protects our members and serves their best interests. The HTA has the right to sit at the table with the School Committee to negotiate the terms and conditions of our employment.
Bargaining Teams
The Hull Teachers Association bargaining team is comprised of HTA Leadership and one representative from each building. We are also supported by our field representative, Elise Stansell.
The School Committee bargaining team is comprised of school committee members, district leadership, and their team of lawyers.
The Bargaining Process
Prior to negotiations, the HTA forms the bargaining committee and gathers information to formulate into proposals. Your input is essential to this step!
At the start of negotiations, the two bargaining teams typically lay the ground rules for bargaining. We strive to have negotiations open to our members, who act as silent representatives at bargaining sessions. A silent representative during educator negotiations is a union member who attends bargaining sessions but does not actively speak or participate in the discussions. Instead, their role is typically to ensure transparency for the broader bargaining team or membership, observe the negotiation process, and provide support and feedback when in caucus. Silent representatives are just as important as the bargaining team!