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Norwalk educators press board for direct engagement as contract talks continue
Summary
Members of the district’s health‑care workers union told the Board of Education they have seen limited bargaining responses, alleged intimidation during work hours, and urged board members to attend upcoming negotiating sessions to hear staff concerns firsthand.
Jennifer Furman, who identified herself as president of Health Care Workers United and a member of CHC District 1199, told the Norwalk Board of Education on Tuesday that union negotiators have provided “numerous proposals” to the district and that most have been rejected without substantive counter‑offers or explanations. "We would welcome your attendance at the future sessions so that you can hear firsthand about the experiences, concerns, and ideas of the professionals who work with the Norwalk students every day," Furman said.
Diana Capucia, who said she is secretary of the same unit and a former school nurse, echoed Furman’s remarks. Capucia said members “have been made to feel uncomfortable” in bargaining and even during their working hours, and asked that board members participate in negotiation sessions rather than rely solely on legal counsel. Emily Gomez, another occupational therapist and union member, described therapist turnover, burnout and a growing gap between student needs and contract support.
The union speakers asked the board to press for meaningful dialogue in the next round of talks and to consider how contract terms affect staff retention and daily services for students with special needs. "We will not stop fighting for a fair contract," Furman said.
Board members did not engage in extended back‑and‑forth during the public‑comment period; the board’s regular agenda proceeded after the public comments closed. Separately, Mary Yordan of the Norwalk Federation of Teachers told the board the union’s February FOIA request for expense records and privatized‑provider contracts had not been fulfilled and urged closer review of nonessential spending, including catered meetings and travel, before further cuts to employee health benefits.
What happens next: union speakers said bargaining resumes and requested the board attend sessions scheduled June 8. The transcript does not record any direct response from board members committing to attend or changing the district’s bargaining approach.
