"We do not want to spend a single day on the picket line instead of educating children." Mat-Su Education Association votes to strike

In a vote to determine whether to authorize a strike, should it come to that, Mat-Su Education Association (MSEA) bargaining unit members, which included both MSEA members and non-members, overwhelming voted over 90% to authorize a strike in the Matanuska Susitna Borough School District (MSBSD). Over 96% of bargaining unit members participated in the strike authorization vote. The Alaska League of Women Voters processed and counted the strike ballots.

The MSEA represents educators, librarians, and support staff in schools throughout the Mat-Su Borough.

“This was not just the union; there were more people that voted who were not in the union that voted on this. This is a really strong voice that is willing to do this,” said Vicki Hewitt, President of MSEA.

In a press release, the MSEA said that the strike vote is the direct result of the Mat-Su Borough School District’s and School Board’s unilateral decision to impose their “last best offer” instead of continuing to bargain to reach an agreement with the Mat-Su Education Association.

The imposition, which is a measure that signifies a unilateral declaration of the district’s final offer, included a change in health insurance from the current provider, Public Education Health Trust (PEHT), to Premera, and 2% salary increases of the next 3 Fiscal years.

“This vote clearly shows that Mat-Su educators are united in their opposition to what the District has imposed,” said Hewitt. “Our goal for over a year has been to find common ground with the District and reach a settlement that moves our schools in a positive direction. We are still working toward that outcome; however, the District and their hired attorney have chosen to undermine the collective bargaining process and that is why this strike vote was necessary.”

Negotiations recently stalled due to the MSBSD’s decision to switch health insurance providers. Currenty, PEHT, an Alaska-based health insurance provider, is being utilized. The school district wants to switch to Premera for health insurance coverage.

The MSEA and Classified Employees Association (CEA) say they oppose what the MSBSD is proposing due to the district’s chosen insurance providers’ high deductibles and stagnant pay.

“This is creating a division that doesn’t need to be there,” said Hewitt.

However, the district has voiced displeasure at what it calls a lack of transparency from PEHT.

“PEHT is not an appropriate health insurance provider for the Mat-Su school district. PEHT is not transparent. Neither the district nor the association know if the money the employees pay into PEHT goes to cover Mat-Su employee claims,” said MSBSD attorney John Sedor during a recent MSBSD school board meeting.

Additionally, the District’s compensation package does not keep up with inflation.

“I want all parents of the Mat-Su Valley to understand that this vote was not taken lightly, nor do we want to spend a single day on the picket line instead of educating children. We wouldn’t be in this position had the District and the School Board not forced this contract upon us,” said Hewitt. “We need all community members to urge the School Board to compel the District to work with us to reach an agreement.”

The MSEA bargaining team stands ready and willing to engage in constructive dialogue to reach a settlement to avoid a strike. If a settlement is not reached, MSEA will strike sometime in the fall of 2023. Classified Employees Association (CEA) recently approved the measure.

For now, Hewitt says she hopes that both sides can go back to the table and work out a solution amicable to both sides.

“We want to figure out a solution as soon as we can,” said Hewitt.

The MSBSD released the following statement on Monday following the vote:

“MSEA’s vote was anticipated and does not change the District’s interest in continued negotiations towards a mutually agreeable settlement. The District has tried its utmost to achieve an agreed upon CBA which includes the engagement of a transparent and accountable health insurance provider. The District remains committed and willing to negotiate a collective bargaining agreement with MSEA and remains open to scheduling discussions.”

The MSEA and CEA are again planning for a large turnout at the next MSBSD school board meeting on Wednesday, May 24, which is scheduled to be the last regular meeting for the school year.