Moses Lake schools, staff still negotiating

No agreement after long weekend meeting

MOSES LAKE - Moses Lake School District classified staff and administrators met Sunday for several hours but failed to agree on a contract.

"Despite 13 and a half hours of bargaining, we were still unable to reach a fair and equitable settlement," said Public School Employees union spokesperson Rick Chisa.

The union and district administration are in negotiations over contract issues involving salaries and health insurance. Chisa said the union plans to meet with the district again.

Moses Lake School District Assistant Superintendent of Business and Operations Monte Redal said by his calculations, the entities met for 12.5 hours, from 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Sunday.

"We're moving closer, so I think it was productive," Redal said. "We don't have a resolution, but we're making some progress."

Redal said the district and union are meeting on weekends when everyone is available. The next meeting will happen sometime after Thanksgiving weekend, he said.

Union members voted to authorize union leaders to strike on Nov. 12, but plans to strike have not been announced.

"Before there would ever be a strike, we would give the community and parents adequate notice," he said. "It's not something we're going to spring on anyone."

The Public School Employees union Moses Lake Chapter represents 412 school employees.