Know Your Contract

THIS SECTION WILL FEATURE OUR BARGAINING CHAIR'S COLUMN OF THE MONTH, ENTITLED "GET TO KNOW YOUR CONTRACT." IT AIMS TO INFORM MEMBERS ON ISSUES ABOUT THEIR COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT AND THEIR RIGHTS AS EMPLOYEES.

With collective bargaining set to begin relatively soon, SEA thought it would be important to remind each other about the importance of solidarity. Through our collaborative bargaining process, we have been able to enjoy a successful working relationship with our school district, which has increased the amount of transparency and fluidity in our relationship with Springfield Public Schools. As such, it is important to remember a few key points entering this stage:

•Teachers can speak on the behalf of themselves, but can not represent our association or other teachers on matters regarding bargaining.

•As a teacher, whether you mean to or not, your opinion may be taken to represent the views of others.

•If you are talking with someone outside the union about bargaining, make sure you are clear that you are speaking only on your own behalf, not that of SEA or other teachers.

•Ways to express your views:

        •SEA surveys

        •Communicating directly with bargaining team members

•Ways not to express your views:

        •Letters to the editor    

        •Informal talks with your principal