As the Professional Staff Organization headed back to the bargaining table with the Indiana State Teachers Association, they outlined the priorities below. ISTA members rely on the work of their union, and that work, in turn, requires a stable, prepared, and resourced workforce. I'm signing today to voice my support for PSO's bargaining priorities.

Closing the Salary Gap

Over the course of the last decade, the value of a position at ISTA has continuously declined. Wages have lagged far behind the cost of living, and following the collapse of ISTA’s trust, PSO members surrendered key retirement benefits to keep ISTA afloat.

Last year’s contract was a first step in restoring what was lost, and doing so didn’t interfere with the steady growth of the union’s assets. Now, PSO has prepared a fiscally responsible proposal that continues to close the gap by securing equitable raises for all PSO members and guaranteeing that access to healthcare won’t prevent a secure and timely retirement.

Creating a Family Friendly Workplace

Indiana PSO believes that family-friendly workplaces are stronger workplaces. Supporting employees at home means better focus, loyalty, and well-being on the job, and more importantly, it’s what all workers deserve. Unfortunately, in a recent climate survey of its members, PSO found that nearly half reported that their job has negatively impacted their marriage or other family relationships.

That’s why PSO is calling for ISTA to provide its staff with the same parental leave it advocates for its own members, to eliminate unnecessary residency requirements which force families to relocate or choose between career, and to restore full funding of Health Savings Accounts so members aren’t burdened with the fear that they won’t be able to meet their families’ needs in a crisis.

Increasing Transparency

PSO believe that ISTA is at its strongest when everyone – staff, management, and members – are engaged and informed in the work and direction of the union. That’s why we’re advocating for a contractual guarantee of regular Labor / Management discussions, the elimination of barriers that make it difficult for observers to attend open meetings of ISTA’s Board of Directors, and a reformed hiring process that guarantees input from both PSO and local ISTA affiliates.