Teachers Unit Collective Bargaining

Collective bargaining is a process in which a group of employees, represented by a union, negotiate with their employer to determine the terms and conditions of their employment, such as wages, benefits, working hours, and other workplace policies, through a collective agreement or contract.

What is the typical negotiation process?

To begin negotiations, ground rules are presented and both parties have historically agreed to these rules to guide the negotiations. Both the School Committee and the HEA will present a list of proposals of changes they wish to make in the existing contract, including adjustments to salary and benefits. A series of negotiation meetings allow both sides to discuss and amend their proposals. Neither party is required to make concessions or agree to specific proposals, but both sides must negotiate in good faith. When the parties reach agreement, that agreement must be ratified by the members of the HEA and approved by the full School Committee. After ratification and approval, the agreement becomes effective.

What are some items that are typically included in negotiations?

Salaries, Wages, Other Compensation
Benefits
Work Hours and Schedules
Roles and Responsibilities
Working Terms & Conditions
Hiring, Evaluation, Discipline, and Other Procedures

Who can I speak with about this process?

You can always contact your School Committee representative for more information on School Committee proceedings including contract negotiations.

How are educators and staff represented by the Haverhill Education Association (HEA) compensated for their work in the district?

Salary: Members receive an annual salary. Salary levels are determined by Lane status, Step Status, and a Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) each year.
Stipends: Members may take on additional responsibilities and/or leadership roles that are funded with additional stipends.
Benefits: Benefits such as health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, and access to the Massachusetts State Teachers Retirement System.

What is the difference between Lane, Step, and COLA rate changes?

Lane Status is determined by a member’s education level, including any additional credits they may have from professional development experiences. Lanes include: Bachelor, Bachelor plus 15 credits, Masters, Masters plus 15 credits, Masters plus 30 credits, Masters plus 45 credits, and Masters plus 60 credits. Members change lanes after they meet the education requirements of the next lane.
Step Status is based on experience. Members are regularly granted step level increases on a yearly basis.
COLA is a Cost Of Living Adjustment. This is a negotiated percentage increase in salary at agreed-upon intervals over the term of the contract.

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Teachers Unit Collective Bargaining

The Haverhill School Committee and the Haverhill Education Association will begin negotiations relative to a New Teachers Contract at the opening session on Monday, March 10, 2025. The current collective bargaining agreement will expire on June 30, 2025.

Schedule of Meetings with Agenda

Wednesday, November 19, 2025

Monday, October 20, 2025

Tuesday, September 30, 2025
Monday, September 15, 2025

Tuesday, May 13, 2025 & Wednesday, May 21, 2025

Monday, April 7, 2025

Monday, March 10, 2025 at 5:30 PM
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 at 4:30 PM
Monday, March 24, 2025 at 4:30 PM

Monday, April 7, 2025 at 4:30 PM
Monday, April 7, 2024 at 4:45 PM

Thursday, May 8, 2025 at 5:30 PM
Monday, May 13, 2025 & Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at 4:30 PM
Monday, May 19, 2025 at 7:00 PM

Tue sday, June 10, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Monday, June 23, 2025 at 5:00 PM

Thursday, July 31, 2025 at 5:00 PM

Press Releases/Notes

Frequently Asked Questions