Seattle Public Schools

5020 Collective Bargaining

The Board encourages and promotes a good and fair working relationship among the staff. The Board recognizes the right of staff to join labor organizations of their own choosing and to be represented by such organizations in the negotiations of such matters and according to such procedures as may be required by law or agreement of the parties. The Board shall establish a strategy for collective bargaining negotiations with the properly designated bargaining units and shall abide by collective bargaining agreements reached with such properly designated bargaining units. 

The Superintendent is authorized to appoint a chief negotiator to represent the district. The chief negotiator shall advise and inform the Board regarding the progress of negotiations and shall negotiate within parameters established by the Board. Negotiations shall include wages, hours, and working conditions. Any agreements reached by the chief negotiator shall not be binding upon the Board until formally approved by the Board.