What does your union do?

1. We negotiate contract details for our members, most of which fall under three categories, salaries, benefits, and working conditions. (This is generally referred to as the collective bargaining agreement.)

2. We provide support for members when their contract rights are being violated or they’re being unfairly targeted for discipline without due process. (Due process refers to the process that the administration must go through in order to carry out discipline. This process can be found in the collective bargaining agreement. Due process has a broader legal meaning as well, but this is the short-and-sweet version.)

What the union can’t do (According to the law and legal precedent.)

1. We can’t violate the protected rights of our own members. (These rights include the right to free speech and due process, among others. Click for more info.)
2. We can’t punish members for exercising any of their protected rights.
3. We can’t punish or expel members without following due process ourselves.
4. We can’t protect members if they participate in egregious—meaning outstandingly bad--or repeated misconduct.
5. We can’t violate an existing contract. At least not without risking serious and costly legal repercussions.

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