Involvement

Ultimately, unions survive and thrive in direct proportion to the involvement of members in the process of political action and collective bargaining for compensation, working conditions and social justice. As the old saying goes, there is a reason that UNION begins with "U - n - I". Most of the people who work at the KEA Office are not "the Union"; those staff members are our employees. Members are the union. Protecting our collective interests is a fundamental duty of each individual.

Therefore, each of us must choose some level of involvement - beyond the simple paying of dues - to maximize the effectiveness of our Association. So, whenever you are tempted to ask what the “union” is doing, look in the mirror before asking it. Ask not what the Association can do for you! Ask rather, what you can do for the Association.
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Rights at Work

Everyone wants smooth working relationships on the job. But problems arise in every workplace. As a Kent Education Association/WEA member, you have the right to Union protection and representation­ guaranteed by your contract. Your Right to Representation — You are guaranteed the right to have a union representative with you when you feel a conversation between you and your supervisor may result in your being written up or losing a contractual benefit you currently have. Ask that the meeting be stopped so that you can get someone to be in the meeting with you. (Also known as the Weingarten Doctrine.)

If the supervisor stops the meeting, it can be resumed at any time convenient to all parties or it may not be resumed at all. If the meeting is not stopped:

• Ask again that the meeting be stopped so you can get a union representative.
• Should the meeting continue, be as polite but as noncommittal as possible until the meeting is adjourned. You may repeat your request to stop the meeting until a union representative can be with you. When the meeting is over, call the KEA office as soon as possible to report and discuss the incident.

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Resources related to certificated employee rights - Click here.

Contract Enforcement

The KEA employs professional staff to enforce the terms and conditions of the Collective Bargaining Agreement that covers KEA members. The Executive Director enforces the terms and conditions contained within the collective bargaining Agreement. Common issues addressed by the Executive Director include teachers' due process rights, as well as questions regarding the contractual work day, salaries, preparation and planning time, insurance benefits, leaves of absence, evaluations, transfers and reassignments, as well as other issues covered within the Agreement.

The Executive Director represents KEA members through the contractual grievance procedure, and, whenever appropriate files grievances against the District and/or the insurance carrier.
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