Washington Teachers’ Union and DC Schools Reach Tentative Contract Deal

Washington, D.C. Educators Secure Tentative Contract Agreement

WASHINGTON, D.C.— A tentative five-year contract agreement has been reached between the Washington Teachers’ Union (WTU) and the District of Columbia Public Schools, promising enhanced working conditions for educators seeking a more respectful environment.

The agreement highlights substantial pay raises and improved working conditions, which are expected to address recruitment and retention challenges within the district. WTU President Jacqueline Pogue Lyons emphasized, “The highlights of the contract include fair and good pay raises, but maybe more importantly, educators will be able to work under better working conditions that should go a long way to improving recruitment and retention problems that have plagued the district.”

Before the agreement specifics are made public, Pogue Lyons mentioned that union members would be briefed over the coming weeks, with a vote following the detailed review of the agreement.

During negotiations, the union prioritized enhanced working conditions, achieving key provisions like breaks to alleviate burnout, time for lesson preparation, and fair workloads. Despite financial constraints, the five-year contract includes significant pay raises. “The bargaining team heard from members about the need for improved working conditions. We took that to heart and were able to secure many provisions that show respect to educators, such as breaks to prevent teacher and student burnout, time to prepare and plan lessons, and fair workloads,” stated Pogue Lyons.

Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), praised the tentative agreement, describing it as a significant achievement. She noted, “Educators deserve this and so much more. The WTU and its bargaining team were sick and tired of long-delayed contracts, and they fought hard for this agreement despite tight fiscal times and political uncertainty. The team obtained solid pay raises and very significant provisions to improve working conditions. Teachers need the time, support and resources to do their jobs well and help their students excel. This tentative agreement goes a long way to achieving that.”

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The AFT represents a wide range of professionals, including 1.8 million pre-K through 12th-grade teachers, paraprofessionals, higher education faculty, government employees, healthcare workers, and early childhood educators.