Northwest Regional ESD (NWRESD) and OSEA Chapter 101 met on June 4, 2026, from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. for the scheduled classified bargaining session.

After a jovial game of rock, paper, scissors contest to determine whether the union or the ESD would share proposals first, the parties discussed the following:

Proposals Exchanged

Union provided a proposal on the following:

• Appendix B: Bumping Chart

NWRESD provided counterproposals on the following articles:

• Article 10 - Probation   
• Article 12 - Working Conditions  

The parties were also joined by Kristy Cousineau, a speech language pathology assistant (SLPA) and OSEA chapter president from Reynolds School District, to answer questions regarding the Union’s proposal of a new article, X2 - Classified Staff with Licensure. The union made its initial proposal on May 7, 2026. Kristy provided context around the new language proposals regarding licensure and supervision requirements for SLPAs, their responsibilities for medicaid billing, and working conditions.

Key Discussion Topics 

During the session, the Union presented their initial draft of Appendix B, a bumping chart that is the precursor to a forthcoming proposal of Article 19 - Layoff/Recall. Appendix B organized job types into hierarchical job clusters or job families. The concept is that if an employee is subject to a layoff, they would be able to move or bump into a position within their same job classification or any lower classification within their job cluster or job family.

The ESD provided a counterproposal on Article 10 - Probation. The two parties are largely in agreement with the main difference between whether an employee’s probationary period should be calculated in days rather than months. The ESD’s position is days as it gives all employees an equal opportunity to demonstrate proficiency in their role, regardless of whether or not they are full or part time. The parties discussed the importance of onboarding employees well and providing them supervisor feedback. 

The teams worked through a portion of the ESD’s counterproposal on Article 12 - working conditions. The ESD reviewed its updates to employee’s regular workdays, rest periods, overtime and compensatory time, and what constitutes call-back pay. The discussion ended as time was up with discussion around staff safety, safety committees, and staffing levels. 

The parties have upcoming meetings scheduled for: 

• June 16 from 12:00 - 3:00 p.m.
• June 29 from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.
• July 15 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. with a working lunch from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m.

The ESD reiterated that the current contract expires on June 30 and are hopeful to get the contract settled in July.

Northwest Regional ESD (NWRESD) and OSEA Chapter 101 met on May 7, 2026, from approximately 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. for the scheduled classified bargaining session.

Proposals Exchanged

Union provided proposals and responses on the following articles:

• OSEA Cover
• Article 1 - Preamble
• Article 8 - Personnel Records 
• Article 10 -  Probation
• Appendix 2 - Classified Staff with Licensure 

NWRESD provided proposals on the following articles:

• Article 2 - Recognition   
• Article 4 - Management Rights 
• Article 14 - Unpaid Leaves of Absence 
• Article 16 - Vacancies, Transfers, and Job Postings
• Article 23 - Strikes and Lockouts

Key Discussion Topics 

During the session, the parties discussed processes and timelines related to personnel records requests and the retention of disciplinary records. The teams also reviewed expectations and evaluation processes during employee probationary and trial periods, as well as the relationship between unpaid leave request language, discrimination, and grievance procedures.

The parties discussed operational impacts and employee considerations related to contracting out and internal job postings, along with language regarding strikes, lockouts, and work stoppages. OSEA also presented discussion related to classified staff holding licensure.

Additionally, both parties acknowledged that several open articles may be interconnected and contingent upon movement in other sections of the agreement.

The parties discussed responsibilities across the remaining articles and will continue negotiations at its upcoming meeting on June 4, 2026 at 2:30 PM.

Northwest Regional ESD (NWRESD) and OSEA Chapter 101 met on April 23, 2026, from 2:30 p.m. to approximately 5:50 p.m. for the scheduled classified bargaining session. 

Proposals Exchanged

Union provided initial counter proposals on the following articles at the start of the meeting:

• Article 7 - Union Dues
• Article 14 - Unpaid Leaves of Absence
• Article 23 - Strikes and Lockouts
• Article 24 -  Contracting Out
• Article 25 - Labor Management Committee
• Article 26 - General Provisions

Union provided counterproposals on the following articles during the meeting:

• Article 1 - Preamble
• Article 8 - Personnel Records
• Appendix 9 – Discipline and Dismissal 

NWRESD provided initial counter proposals on the following articles at the start of the meeting:

• Article 1 - Preamble 
• Article 8 - Personnel Records
• Article 9 - Discipline and Discharge
• Article 10 - Probation

NWRESD provided the following articles during the meeting:

• Article 1 - Preamble (Amended)
• Article 7 - Union Dues

The parties reached a Tentative Agreement (TA) on Article 7.

During the session, the parties also engaged in a sidebar discussion - a more informal conversation that is not recorded typically to review complex topics in more detail. In this sidebar:

• NWRESD shared analysis of the total cost associated with OSEA’s proposal that include monetary implications.
• OSEA presented costing related to its compensation proposal.

The parties discussed responsibilities across the remaining articles and will continue negotiations at its upcoming meeting on May 7, 2026 at 2:30 PM.

Northwest Regional ESD (NWRESD) and OSEA Chapter 101 met on April 9, 2026, from 2:30 p.m. to approximately 5:00 p.m. for the scheduled classified bargaining session. 

Proposals Exchanged

Union provided counter proposals on the following articles:

• Article 4 - Management Rights
• Article 5 - Union Rights
• Article 8 -  Personnel Records
• Article 11 - Grievance Procedure
• Article 16 - Vacancies, Transfers, and Job Postings

Union provided initial proposals on the following articles:

• Article 20 - Compensation
• Article 22 - Reclassification, Job Descriptions
• Appendix A – Salary Schedule, Appendix X1 – Classifications and Appendix X2 – Range Restructure

NWRESD counter proposals addressed the following articles:

• Article 7 - Union Dues 
• Article 14 - Unpaid Leaves of Absence
• Article 23 - Strikes and Lockouts
• Article 24 - Contracting Out
• Article 25 - Labor Management Committee
• Article 26 - General Provisions

The Union has expressed its intent to open the following at a future bargaining session:

• Article 19 - Layoff/Recall
• Article X2 - Classified Staff with Licensure
• Appendix B - Bumping Chart

During the recent bargaining session, the parties engaged in a productive discussion centered on the union’s comprehensive proposal package. The union presented a revised compensation framework that includes restructuring the wage schedule, implementing a standardized step increase, proposing an 8% cost-of-living adjustment, and addressing select classifications identified as below market. In addition, the union introduced a number of proposed updates to contract language across several articles, along with new and revised processes related to classification review, employee placement, and internal procedures.

The employer shared an initial response, noting that given the current context of a proposed one-year agreement, there is a preference to maintain much of the existing contract language while carefully evaluating areas for potential improvement. The employer also raised questions regarding the overall cost and sustainability of the compensation proposal and indicated that a comprehensive costing analysis is underway.

Both parties spent time discussing key topics such as contracting out, recruitment challenges in hard-to-fill positions, and the balance between operational flexibility and employee protections. While differences remain, there was clear alignment around the importance of attracting and retaining staff and ensuring continuity of services for students.

The session concluded with agreement to continue working through the proposals in detail, including an exchange of costing information to support informed decision-making in future meetings.

Northwest Regional ESD (NWRESD) and OSEA Chapter 101 met on February 12, 2026, from 2:30 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. for a scheduled classified bargaining session. The meeting was productive, and both parties exchanged proposals.

Proposals Exchanged

Union proposals addressed the following articles:

• Article 7 - Union Dues
• Article 13 - Paid Leaves of Absences
• Article 14 - Unpaid Leaves of Absence
• Article 15 - Paid Vacation
• Article 17 - Insurance Benefits
• Article 18 - Holidays
• Article 21 - Professional Development

NWRESD proposals addressed the following articles:

• Article 17 - Insurance Benefits 
• Article 20 - Compensation
• Article 21 - Professional Development
• Article 22 - Reclassification, Job Descriptions 

The ground rules state that, “The parties shall make an effort to express their intent to open an article or present new articles by the third bargaining session. Regardless of proposal status, the statutory one hundred fifty (150) day clock shall start on the third session, which is March 12, 2026.”

The ESD has made a full proposal, presenting its few remaining articles. The Union has expressed its intent to open the following at a future bargaining session:

• Article 19 - Layoff/Recall
• Article 20 - Compensation
• Article 22 - Reclassification, Job Descriptions
• Article X2 - Classified Staff with Licensure
• Appendix A - Salary Schedule
• Appendix B - Bumping Chart

The ESD presented the following increases on salaries and benefits for a 3-year contract proposal.

Northwest Regional ESD (NWRESD) and OSEA Chapter 101 met on February 12, 2026, from 2:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. for a scheduled classified bargaining session. The meeting was productive, and both parties exchanged proposals.

Proposals Exchanged

Union proposals addressed the following articles:

• Article 2 - Recognition
• Article 10 - Probation
• Article 12 - Working Conditions
• Article 16 - Vacancies, Transfers, and Job Postings
• Article 24 - Contracting Out
• Article 25 - Labor Management Committee
• Article XI - Technology 

Article XI (Technology) is a proposal for a new article that is not currently included in the collective bargaining agreement. 

NWRESD proposals addressed the following articles:

• Article 13 - Paid Leaves of Absence 
• Article 15 - Paid Vacation
• Article 16 - Vacancies, Transfers, and Job Postings
• Article 19 - Layoff/Recall 

The ESD also presented a counterproposal regarding Article 8 - Personnel Records.

The ESD emphasized appreciation for the positive working relationship with the Union. The ESD’s proposals reflect that relationship and include modest updates to existing contract language. The proposed changes are primarily intended to ensure compliance with current laws and to clarify existing practices.  

Joint Communication to Employees

At the beginning of the session, both parties agreed to the revised joint Bargaining Rights Notice to ensure employees and supervisors clearly understand their rights and responsibilities during negotiations.

The next scheduled bargaining session is scheduled for March 12, 2026 at 2:30 PM.

Northwest Regional ESD (NWRESD) and OSEA Chapter 101 met on February 12, 2026, from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. for a scheduled classified bargaining session. The meeting was productive, and both parties exchanged proposals.

Proposals Exchanged

Union proposals addressed the following articles:

• Article 1 - Preamble
• Article 3 - Term of Agreement
• Article 4 - Management Rights
• Article 5 - Union Rights and Responsibilities
• Article 8 - Personnel Records
• Article 9 - Discipline and Discharge
• Article 11 - Grievance Procedure
• Article 23 - Strikes and Lockouts
• Article 26 - General Provisions

NWRESD proposals addressed the following articles:

• Article 2 - Recognition
• Article 3 - Term of Agreement
• Article 4 - Management Rights
• Article 5 - Union Rights and Responsibilities
• Article 6 - Payroll Deductions
• Article 10 - Probation
• Article 11 - Grievance Procedure
• Article 12 - Working Conditions

The Union also presented a counterproposal regarding Article 6 - Payroll Deductions.

Joint Communication to Employees

At the conclusion of the session, both parties worked collaboratively to conceptualize a joint Bargaining Rights Notice to ensure employees and supervisors clearly understand their rights and responsibilities during negotiations.

The notice will outline:

• Employee rights under Oregon’s Public Employee Collective Bargaining Act (PECBA), including the right to discuss bargaining, proposals, wages, hours, and working conditions
• Expectations regarding discussions during work time, including maintaining assigned duties and student supervision

• Assurances of non-retaliation for lawful protected union activity

Both parties remain committed to good-faith bargaining and continued collaboration throughout the negotiation process.

OSEA and the ESD began the process of bargaining a successor contract to replace the 2022-26 contract that is set to expire on June 30, 2026. The first meeting focused on bargaining process and outlined expectations moving forward.

• The first ground rules bargaining session was held on January 13, 2026.
• Both OSEA and the ESD came prepared with draft ground rules for bargaining.
• During the session, the two teams worked collaboratively to merge the drafts into a single set of proposed ground rules.
• The parties tentatively agreed on these ground rules, which establish the terms and structure for bargaining.

The agreed-upon ground rules will be formally implemented at the next bargaining session:

• Thursday, February 12, 2026, at 2:30 p.m.

Importantly, the ground rules reflect a shared commitment to transparency:

• Bargaining sessions will be open to the public.
• All sessions will be virtually streamed by the ESD, allowing interested staff to observe the process.

At this stage, the focus of bargaining has been on establishing how we will work together, rather than on substantive contract proposals. Additional updates will be shared as the process progresses.

Thank you to the bargaining team members:

• Ethan Akre, Support Technician 2
• Margaret Bertucci, Braille Transcriber II
• Yolanda Coleman, Director of Human Resources
• Marianne Como, SPR&I Distribution Manager
• Catherine Dalbey, Chief Human Resources Officer
• Jessica Duffett, Special Education Coordinator
• Tami Frame, Transition Specialist
• Michelle Graham, NWRESD Board of Directors
• Brian Hungerford, Attorney
• Anderson Kishlock, Senior Admin. Support
• Stuart Long, Chief Information Officer
• Lana Mann, Technical Engineer 1
• Chris Riley, NWRESD Board of Directors
• Piper Ryan, School Based Admin. Assistant
• Baylor Turnbow, OSEA Field Representative
• Jennifer Vanderschure, Director of Early Learning
• Carmen Vega-Martinez, Instructional Assistant
• Laura Weaver, EI/ECSE Site Admin. Assistant