Press release from CMAVTS JOC
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
November 3, 2026
Columbia-Montour AVTS Joint Operating Committee Continues Efforts to Reach Agreement with Teachers Association
The Columbia-Montour Area Vocational-Technical School (CMAVTS) Joint Operating Committee (JOC) continues to seek a resolution to the ongoing teacher contract negotiations and remains hopeful that the parties can return to the negotiating table and reach an agreement.
During negotiations held October 27–29, the JOC Negotiating Committee and the Columbia-Montour Area Vocational-Technical School Education Association were unable to reach an agreement. The primary areas of disagreement involved salary increases in the later years of a proposed agreement, the Association's requested weighted-average salary target, and the inclusion of retroactivity and step movement in the first year.
Throughout the negotiations, the JOC presented multiple proposals in an effort to find common ground. The JOC's proposals included salary increases over the life of the agreement, and its October 29 counterproposal incorporated retroactive compensation for the 2025–26 school year and first-year step movement. The JOC also explored the possibility of a shorter, four-year agreement in an effort to reach a compromise. Despite these efforts, the parties were unable to reach mutually acceptable terms, and negotiations concluded without an agreement.
Recent Development Regarding Unfair Labor Practice Charge
The JOC also received notification from the Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board regarding an unfair labor practice charge filed by the Association on September 21, 2026. The charge alleged that the School engaged in regressive bargaining during contract negotiations.
The Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board determined that the allegations did not establish a violation of the Public Employe Relations Act (PERA) and that there was insufficient evidence to support a finding that the School failed to bargain in good faith. As a result, the Board determined that no complaint would be issued and dismissed the charge. The Association has 20 calendar days from the October 28, 2026, decision to file exceptions.
JOC Continues to Seek Return to Negotiations
Following the conclusion of negotiations, the JOC took additional steps to encourage the Association to return to the negotiating table.
On Monday, November 2, the JOC contacted the Association and formally requested that it provide a proposal for the Committee's consideration. No proposal was received. On the morning of Tuesday, November 3, the JOC followed up with another request for a proposal that could be reviewed and discussed by the full JOC.
The JOC made this request with the hope of receiving a proposal in sufficient time to allow the Committee to review it and potentially schedule an additional negotiating session before its regularly scheduled meeting on Thursday, November 5.
As of the release of this statement, the JOC has not received a proposal from the Association.
The JOC remains committed to working toward a fair and responsible agreement that recognizes the contributions of CMAVTS teachers while also protecting the financial interests and long-term sustainability of the school and the six participating school districts.
The Committee believes that continued communication and a willingness from both parties to find common ground are essential to resolving this matter. The JOC remains hopeful that the Association will provide a proposal so discussions can resume and meaningful progress can be made toward an agreement.
The goal remains the same: to reach an agreement that allows CMAVTS to move forward and provide the quality career and technical education opportunities that our students deserve.