School Board approves Collective Bargaining, and stronger union control

By Reed Carver

The Loudoun County School Board voted to allow Collective Bargaining, a unionization vote the night of Aug. 13 at their Board Meeting. Loudoun Education Association will become, “the exclusive bargaining unit” for teachers in Loudoun.

Teachers are now unionized, but more is needed, said members of LEA outside in the gathering area before the meeting. Teachers need to become part of LEA, and then they will be able to vote on what they desire to do as a body. The whole body then is able to use their numbers as a bargaining advantage to secure higher wages and benefits.

Other Loudoun entities are already unionized, like the Loudoun Career Fire Firefighters Association. Jon Myers, the president of that union, was on site to support teachers in their cause. 

Three speakers addressed the group with a megaphone: John Myers, Julius Reynolds, and Kris Countryman, who has been the president since Aug 1.

Afterwards, a member of the group led a chant, saying in response to those who were against bargaining, “They want private school on a public school dime …What do we want?” she asked. “Collective bargaining!” answered the group. “When do we want it? Now!” they answered. 

The crowd representing LEA chanted as they walked to the boardroom. Thirty four were signed up to speak.

Public Speakers

The first speaker said that higher wages can help retain teachers. “The high turnover rates are incredibly destructive to the students’ learning and to the school system.” 

“I encourage you to adopt the Collective Bargaining system. I am a first grade teacher at Rolling Ridge Elementary School. [We want] the promise that they [the Board] will sit with them and make this the best school system for our students as well as teachers,” said Steve Greenburg.

“I teach high school math,” said Charles Hanson. “There is a small vocal minority, who manufacture outrage. Almost 90 percent of families believe that Loudoun provides a strong education. Educators are in our buildings every day; we know what works. All I got in my contract was sign it, or leave.” He implied employees need more negotiating power for higher wages.

John Myers, of Loudoun Career Firefighters Association, said, “Teachers are the best guides on their issues, how do we expect to recruit, and retain the best?”

The President of LEA, Kris Countryman said, “There is value in Collective Bargaining, teacher working conditions are student learning conditions. We have heard lies … these are people who are not educators, and have their own agenda. It is time for the amendment to pass.”

“The current resolution is the result of years of negotiating. Collective Bargaining is the best way to build trust and respect among stakeholders. It will not raise taxes, those are people who have not felt the benefits of CB,” said Suzanne Kockler.

“This is the most important decision of your careers … you choose to be ignorant; you need to take your role as a Board seriously. Loudoun County will never outperform its educators,” another LEA member said. “Despite the slander, the libel, you stood for what is right. I implore those who oppose this, to stand with us,” said another.

Not all speakers were in favor of the resolution; a minority warned against it.

“I am a fourth grade teacher,” said Wallace Judd in contrast, “Unions are a thinly veiled invitation to corruption. Union backed members return favors with higher wages. Who is missing? Parents, and students. Who needs an intermediary?”

“I saw the positive and the negative aspects of unions,” said a resident. “I am opposed. I do not see where Collective Bargaining can enhance what our children are learning. FDR [Franklin Delano Roosevelt] said collective bargaining does not belong in the public sector.”

Sandy Sullivan clarified that some union practices, like striking, were not permitted by law under these resolutions, so this should not be expected. 

Phebe Greenwood said, “I am a resident, and grandparent. I support all teachers, but I ask you to oppose the CB and unionization. A layer of unions between me and the school board is not a service to me. You increased [the budget] by 10%. I’m sure you can give teachers the benefits they need.”

This resolution, “Shifts power away from elected officials, and to bureaucrats. The victims of CB are children,” said another speaker. 

Darrell Dawson said, “Please pass the resolution. No amendments. How can we retain educators, if we do not have the same offers as surrounding counties?” 

“This issue has seen many educators, who are qualified and experienced, leave their positions and their professions,” another member of LEA said.

Tracy Lane presented a spoken word poem. “We are determined to make a clatter … show us that our educators matter,” she said.

“I know what it’s like to be a public employee, I know public employees need a union. This is a workable resolution,” Patti Nelson said.

“It’s not just about fair negotiation,” said Susan Hammontree. “It’s about [bringing partnership] and giving a seat at the table. This will ensure educators have a role in shaping policies that affect their teaching. This is our moment to act for the betterment of our schools.”

More residents were skeptical of the proposed resolution 

One speaker said, “As a resident, it will have a detrimental effect; It will cost Loudoun residents 3 million per year. The County already has a support system—why do we need more bureaucracy? Why would you give away your decision making power?” 

“I oppose unionization,” said Sylvia Ross. “It will disenfranchise the voter, and unions are unaccountable. It [goes against] the public trust. It wrongfully gives executive power to non-elected bodies.”

One speaker against the Collective Bargaining accosted the Board, saying, “You receive checks from union organizations … unions are propaganda machines … they stifle conversations, and create wasteful spending. Hands off the kids!”

The discussion on the vote

Board members Lauren Shernoff (Leesburg) supported by Deana Griffiths (Ashburn) and Kari LaBell (Catoctin) sought to modify the resolution to retain more Board control. Those efforts repeatedly failed.

The Board needs to retain authority over policy; [passing the resolution] “will subsequently compromise the authority of the board,” Shernoff said.

“The School Board [needs to have] the final authority on wages, if they advocate for wages we can’t afford.” said LaBell. 

Shernoff and LaBell said if Collective Bargaining is passed without amendments, LEA can choose their own meeting times, disrupting the school schedule.

Anne Donohue (At-Large) said, “as has been alluded to, this is a momentous meeting; I grew up with unionized schools. To those opposed, it’s not unusual for anxiety to appear, [when a big change happens]. I will support this motion, and I’ve been consistent about my desire for it to pass.”

Griffiths tried to wedge in a legal argument that no School Board members with complex ties and conflicts of interest, like campaign donations, should be not allowed to vote—but it failed. The final vote passed 6 – 3, with Shernoff, Griffiths, and LaBell opposed.