ABCE Member Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is ABCE?

ABCE is the local teachers’ union representing educators in Bay County. We advocate for members’ rights, protect working conditions, negotiate contracts, provide support when issues arise, and work to strengthen public education.

2. Who can be a member of ABCE?

Teachers in Bay County are not automatically members of ABCE. Membership is open to instructional personnel under contract with the Bay County School District who are covered by the collective bargaining agreement and hold a valid educator certificate. Membership is inclusive and nondiscriminatory.

3. What benefits do I get as an ABCE member?

As a member, you receive:

• Representation and support for workplace issues

• Contract enforcement and grievance assistance

• Legal protection and due process support when needed

• Professional development opportunities

• A voice in union decisions through voting and leadership roles

• State and national union benefits through FEA, NEA, and AFT

4. What is an Association Representative (AR)?

An AR is a fellow educator elected at your school to:

• Communicate between members and ABCE leadership

• Help organize elections and votes

• Assist with contract questions and concerns

• Direct members to the right support when issues arise

5. What should I do if I am “in trouble” at work?

If you are contacted by administration about discipline, an investigation, or a meeting that could lead to discipline:

1. Do not attend the meeting alone. 

2. Immediately contact your Association Representative (AR) or the ABCE office. If the issue is involving or related to law enforcement  or DCF, immediately contact the ABCE Executive Director.

3. Clearly state that you are requesting union representation.

You have the right to union representation during investigatory meetings that could lead to discipline.

6. Who can help me if I have a problem at my school?

Start here:

• Your Association Representative (AR) at your school

• If needed, the Senior AR at your school

• If the issue continues or is serious, contact the ABCE Executive Board representative assigned to your school (Elementary, Middle, High, Alternative,...) then the President or Vice President if necessary

• The ABCE office can help connect you with staff, union advocates, or legal resources

7. What if my AR cannot resolve my issue?

If an issue cannot be resolved at the school level, it may be:

• Referred to ABCE leadership

• Reviewed by the Executive Board and Executive Director

• Addressed through the grievance process

• Escalated to district-level advocacy or legal support if appropriate

8. What is a grievance?

A grievance is a formal complaint alleging a violation of the contract, policies, or procedures. ABCE can help determine:

• Whether your concern qualifies as a grievance

• The correct steps and timelines

• How to document and pursue the issue properly

9. How do I stay in “good standing”?

You are in good standing by paying dues on time
Members more than 30 days delinquent in dues will be notified. Extended nonpayment may result in loss of membership and it's benefits unless a repayment plan is approved.

10. What if I am on medical or personal leave?

Members on extended leave (three months or more) may request Special Status membership, which:

• Must be approved by the Executive Board

• Has reduced dues

• Helps maintain union connection during leave

11. How are union leaders chosen?

ABCE officers and representatives are elected by the membership through:

• Secret ballot elections. All members in good standing are eligible to vote.

• Established election timelines and procedures

• Oversight by the Elections Committee
  
  

12. Can I run for union office?

Yes. Members in good standing may run for office if they meet eligibility requirements. For example: President and Vice President candidates must have been local members for at least three years.

13. How can I get involved?

You can:

• Serve as an AR

• Join a committee

• Attend Representative Council meetings

• Run for office

• Help organize members at your school

14. Who do I contact if I am unsure where to start?

If you’re unsure who to contact:

• Start with your Association Representative

• Or contact the ABCE office directly
  If you’re facing an urgent issue, reach out immediately.

15. Why should I stay active in my union?

Aside from the numerous benefits, ABCE is strongest when members are informed, engaged, and involved. Your participation helps protect not only your rights, but the rights of all educators.

16. How do I set up eDues or change my bank account for eDues?

Please use the link below to log back into the portal that you created during your membership enrollment. Your username is the email address you used and then enter the password you created at that time. If you cannot remember the password, please select the option to reset the password. Check your spam/junk folder, as well as your inbox, for the email with instructions for password reset. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me if you need any assistance, or if you need me to assist you in keying your information at 850-763-3416.

https://feacms.floridaea.org/portal/signin

• You will see the Plaid screen. If your bank is listed in Plaid, please choose your bank, and enter your online banking credentials. Please note that you are logging into your bank. Plaid does not house this information, nor does the membership system. Once you have done this you have completed the process. The screen will go green, and you are all set up.

• If your bank is not listed in Plaid or you don’t know your login credentials, then scroll to the bottom of the banks and select the link that indicates enroll with account number. Enter your routing number and account number. You will receive a micro deposit of .01 into your bank account within 24 hours from FEA. Once you see the micro deposit there is a #(3-letter) code next to the deposit on the upper left side. (See the attached image to help you locate the code). Log back into the portal, select the blue verify button and enter the 3-capital letter code. Click continue and your will see your screen go green and you are all set up. You can also email the 3-capital letter code to Lisa Williams, Office Manager 850-763-3416 lisa.williams@floridaea.org. 

Please use the link below to log back into the portal that you created during your membership enrollment. Your username is the email address you used and then enter the password you created at that time. If you cannot remember the password, please select the option to reset the password. Check your spam/junk folder, as well as your inbox, for the email with instructions for password reset. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me if you need any assistance, or if you need me to assist you in keying your information at 850-763-3416.

https://feacms.floridaea.org/portal/signin

• You will see the Plaid screen. If your bank is listed in Plaid, please choose your bank, and enter your online banking credentials. Please note that you are logging into your bank. Plaid does not house this information, nor does the membership system. Once you have done this you have completed the process. The screen will go green, and you are all set up.

• If your bank is not listed in Plaid or you don’t know your login credentials, then scroll to the bottom of the banks and select the link that indicates enroll with account number. Enter your routing number and account number. You will receive a micro deposit of .01 into your bank account within 24 hours from FEA. Once you see the micro deposit there is a #(3-letter) code next to the deposit on the upper left side. (See the attached image to help you locate the code). Log back into the portal, select the blue verify button and enter the 3-capital letter code. Click continue and your will see your screen go green and you are all set up. You can also email the 3-capital letter code to Lisa Williams, Office Manager 850-763-3416 lisa.williams@floridaea.org.