Across the state, local associations are using collective bargaining to make their lives and their students’ lives better. From pay gains to better health insurance to dealing with inflation, here are some of the more recent contract successes.
Gorham Contract Wins
Gorham Teachers Association settled a new 3-year contract that increases the base salary over 8.5%, improves the index on the salary scale and maintains 95% health insurance coverage as well as allowing for 12 weeks paid parental leave for any expecting parent (from sick leave) and adding Occupational Therapists to their unit.
Biddeford Wage Increases
Biddeford Educational Technician III and Library Aide’s Association secured a new contract with a market adjustment and wage increases averaging over 15% across 3 years.
RSU 19 Teachers Receive Big Raises
Dedication and persistence paid off for teachers in RSU 19 who made significant salary gains of 4.75% in year one, 4% in year two, and 4.2% in year three, all while maintaining their competitive scale structure and strong contract language.
Athens ESP Move from one of the Lowest Paid to one of the Highest
Athens ESP settled a contract with a $3.00/hour raise to the base for all classifications and transitioned from being one of the lowest paid ESP in the UniServ District to now one of the highest.
Jackman Teachers Improve Health Insurance
After a tough negotiation, the local union made significant gains on their health insurance. The Board moved from providing 95% Single Standard 500 Health Insurance to now providing 100% Single Choice Plus Health Insurance.
Fox Island Teacher Association Salary Bump
The starting salary on the bachelor’s scale is now $44,500 for the 2022-23 school year, well above the state required minimum.
Lincolnville Education Association Pay Gains
The beginning salary for bachelor’s scale is now $44,853 for the 2022-23 school year. For the 2023-2024 school year the beginning salary for bachelor’s scale is $47,899 and for the 2024-2025 school year the beginning salary for bachelor’s scale is $51,115.
Lewiston Food Service Inflation Language
The Lewiston Food Service Managers reached a contract settlement providing a 9% increase effective July 1, and 3% increases in the second and third year of the contract. In addition, the contract contains a wage reopener in years two and three if the rate of inflation meets or exceeds 4% in either of those years.
