Negotiating with a union contract?

[hoppynurse]

Hello! Last week I had an interview with a school district closer to home. While I'm not unhappy at my current school, this one is closer to home with a schedule that more closely aligns with my family's schedule.

However, I found their contract online and their salary is almost 10k less than what I make now in a neighboring district (comparing top step). Such a bummer, it would really make it difficult to accept should the job be offered.

Is there any way to negotiate pay when salaries are spelled out in the contract? Or is it what it is, take it or leave it? Anyone have any experience with this?

[jess11RN]

It's always worth a shot.

When I was offered this position, they pay they offered me was...let's just say...not what I expected. I told them "thanks but no thanks." They came back and offered me $10K more.

[Jedrnurse, BSN, RN]

The only wiggle room is the step they start you within the grade on the contract. Even then, some districts have a concrete formula based on years of experience.

[jess11RN]

1 minute ago, Jedrnurse said:

The only wiggle room is the step they start you within the grade on the contract. Even then, some districts have a concrete formula based on years of experience.

Yes. I should have mentioned in my response that they started me on a higher step which enabled the higher pay offer. (they gave me years of nursing experience vs starting at step 1).