AFT
The American Federation of Teachers (AFT) represents hourly certificated teachers who teach classes primarily for adult students.
Joint AFT–District Negotiations Update
Joint AFT–District Negotiations Update![]()
Joint AFT–District Negotiations Update
January 26, 2026
Following negotiations and mediation, the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and the Metropolitan Education District (MetroED) reached a Tentative Agreement for the successor collective bargaining agreement for the 2024–2025 school year.
The parties met over multiple bargaining sessions to exchange proposals, share rationale and supporting data, and work collaboratively toward resolution. When additional assistance was determined to be beneficial, the parties jointly participated in mediation.
As a result of mediation and continued good-faith discussions, AFT and the District reached a Tentative Agreement (TA) on January 23, 2026.
The MetroED Governing Board will consider ratification of the Tentative Agreement at its February 11, 2026, Board meeting. Approval of the agreement will allow the District to move forward with implementing the negotiated terms, including salary schedule adjustments and other agreed-upon changes.
Major Highlights of the Tentative Agreement, by Article
Article 3000 – Term
- Effective date of revisions: July 1, 2024
- Contract term: July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2027
- Updated reopener language
Article 8000 – Working Conditions and Safety
- Clean-up of existing language to reflect current class offerings
Article 9000 – Discretionary Days
- Added language clarifying approval of discretionary day requests surrounding the first or last scheduled workday of the semester
Article 10000 – Job Security
- Clarified eligibility for probationary and permanent status
- Removed language related to District Complaint Procedures, which are addressed through Board Policy and District procedures
- Additional minor language clean-up
Article 11000 – Class Size
- Clean-up of existing language to reflect current class offerings
- Increased maximum class size for Adult Basic Education and Beginning Low ESL classes from 25 to 30 students
- Enrollment and Class Size maximums shall be thirty-three (33) students in all program areas except Adult Basic Education and English as a Second Language (Beginning Low level only). Increased maximum enrollment for Adult Basic Education and Beginning Low ESL classes from 25 to 30 students.
Article 13000 – Evaluation
- Refined evaluation language to include a Goals Meeting, classroom observation aligned with the California Standards for the Teaching Profession (CSTPs)/Adult Education Competencies and Goals, and post-observation conferences
Article 15000 – Salary
- Two percent (2%) on-schedule salary increase, retroactive to July 1, 2024
- One-time payment of $1,140, prorated
Article 16000 – Employee Benefits
- Increased life insurance coverage from $15,000 to $50,000, effective July 1, 2025
AFT and MetroED appreciate the collaboration and professionalism demonstrated throughout the bargaining and mediation process. Both parties remain committed to reaching agreements that support employees, uphold fiscal responsibility, and advance the long-term success of the District and its students.
Sincerely,
Arezoo Miller, American Federation of Teachers (AFT) lead negotiator and Lisa Ketchum, District lead negotiator
January 5, 2026
The American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and the Metropolitan Education District (MetroED) are committed to a transparent, respectful, and good-faith bargaining process.
Negotiations for a successor collective bargaining agreement for the 2024–2025 school year began in April 2025 with the most recent bargaining session held on August 14, 2025. After eight bargaining sessions, and nearly 18 hours, the parties have mutually declared an impasse following extensive discussions and good-faith efforts to resolve all issues.
The District and AFT have reached tentative agreement on six contract articles:
As a result, AfT and the District have jointly determined that the assistance of a state-appointed mediator is needed to help move the parties forward. Both parties remain committed to reaching a fair and sustainable agreement and will continue to provide updates as the process progresses.
Sincerely,
Arezoo Miller, American Federation of Teachers (AFT) lead negotiator and Lisa Ketchum, District lead negotiator
Negotiations for a successor collective bargaining agreement for the 2024–2025 school year began in April 2025 with the most recent bargaining session held on August 14, 2025. After eight bargaining sessions, and nearly 18 hours, the parties have mutually declared an impasse following extensive discussions and good-faith efforts to resolve all issues.
The District and AFT have reached tentative agreement on six contract articles:
- Article 3000: Term of Agreement
- Article 8000: Working Conditions and Safety
- Article 9000: Discretionary Days
- Article 10000: Job Security
- Article 11000: Class Size
- Article 13000: Evaluation
As a result, AfT and the District have jointly determined that the assistance of a state-appointed mediator is needed to help move the parties forward. Both parties remain committed to reaching a fair and sustainable agreement and will continue to provide updates as the process progresses.
Sincerely,
Arezoo Miller, American Federation of Teachers (AFT) lead negotiator and Lisa Ketchum, District lead negotiator
