Trouble in paradise? After seventeen bargaining sessions totaling over eighty-five hours of effort, members of the District Educators Association (DEA) in Huntington Beach have declared impasse over the remaining elements of their contract dispute with Huntington Beach Union High School District (HBUHSD).

Paperwork for impasse was completed and will be filed with the California Public Employee Relations Board (PERB) once the District reviews the material with legal counsel. PERB will assign a State Mediator within the next 30 days mediation will follow.

Major remaining unsettled elements of the contract include salary, fringe benefit, class size, term of agreement, and summer school compensation.

DEA leadership reminded members to maintain regular contact with chapter leaders, stating  “We need YOU to stay informed and involved. Mediation works best when teachers continue to demonstrate SOLIDARITY. Be on the lookout for announcements from the DEA Organizing Team for ways you can help.”