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President's Message...We are One...UNION Strong!

Be able to explain the importance of a strong Union.
That is the overarching goal.
What has your Union done for you?
That is the essential question.
 
This update is dedicated to our, your, Union. On page two you will find a membership form with my message to non-members. It is designed to help you explain why our united voice and efforts are so vital to our profession.
 
On page three you will find Gail’s Membership Message with many of the benefits of membership in LCEA.
 
My message on this page is about collective bargaining. We follow the state mandates and rules according to the Public Employees Relations Commission, PERC.
 
·      The process – Our collective bargaining agreement, CBA, is a three year contract. Every three years the entire contract is open for negotiation. During the years between both LCEA and the district, can open two articles plus compensation which is negotiated every year. This is a full contract year.
·      The contract - Until a new contract is ratified by the teachers and approved by the school board, the current contract remains in effect. In the past, when state    finances were better, we were able to negotiate our contract before school started. Now, the state says it has less money and doesn’t require the districts to approve their local budgets until September. That puts the entire process on hold until September, at the   earliest.
 
·      What we bargain – The issues we take to the bargaining table are based on your input. Each year I email a survey to you, LCEA members only, and ask for your concerns. During the two article opener years, we address the issues with the most concerns from you. This year, we addressed all of the issues you sent, and added some more. 
 
·          What we gained – Years ago, teachers had to eat lunch with their students and had no designated plan time. Because of strong collective bargaining, you now have a duty-free lunch and a regularly scheduled plan time daily. We all know that SB 736 has    eroded your time, but please remember, FEA has a lawsuit for that. Without a CBA, we would be “at will” employees and could be forced to work anytime, anywhere, doing anything, or be terminated without just cause. Gail explains more collective bargaining rights on page three.
 
The most notable, current gain we have is thanks to FEA’s Legal Department, especially Attorney Ron Meyer. Last Tuesday, March 6th, Circuit Judge Jackie Fulford ruled in favor of our, your, lawsuit against the 3% FRS deduction. This does not mean the case is over, but the ruling is HUGE. The appeals could take years, but Ron Meyer has said he will take it to the Supreme Court if necessary.
 
So…the answer to the essential question is this:
Without our strong Union, and YOU as united members, we would not have the strength, voice, resources, or power to advocate for and protect public education and professional teaching.
 
I continue to thank you for all you do. I am honored and committed to working for you.
 
 “UNLESS someone like you
cares a whole awful lot,
nothing is going to get better.
It’s not.” - The Once-ler, from the LORAX by Dr. Seuss
 
I pledge to you that I will work to be that voice needed to speak for public education, you, and our profession.
 
Together we can be the “UNLESS.”
 
 
B Grassel, LCEA President