Archive: July 2003

Contract Issues
By Steve Kaplan, UniServe Field Organizer

Each month, this column highlights significant provisions in the Collective Negotiations Contract. The contract rights you possess are made real when individuals or groups of teachers make the decision to insist on those rights being honored.

When faced with a possible contract issue at your work site, what should you do to maximize your ability to enforce your rights? If the issue involves evaluation or discipline, here are some suggestions:

• Remain calm and courteous.
  
• Ask that your Association Representative be present.
  Whenever possible, consult with your AR in advance.
  
• Listen carefully to any accusations and then ask for time to respond.
  
• Don't admit guilt or blame.
  
• Don't sign or make any verbal agreements (signatures are permissible that do not express agreement but merely that the administrator is following required procedural steps ).
  
• Keep copies of all papers relating to the situation.
  
• Make written, dated records of any conferences with administrators, including names of witnesses and others involved.
  
• CONTACT YOUR SDEA SITE ASSOCIATION REPRESENTATIVE.