The Union, The Handbook, and the Rumor Mill: We’ve Got Answers to Your Questions

On Dec. 1, Local 205 held an open meeting for SEIU members in MNPS to ask questions about recent developments related to the new handbook, and other issues. Here is some of what you may have missed:

Q: I heard that we don’t have a Union anymore. Is that true?
A:  We aren’t sure how this rumor started, but it is not true. In fact, we have a signed letter from Fred Carr in June that says, “Dr. Register intends to honor the current M.O.U.” (The M.O.U. is the agreement between MNPS and SEIU). In other words, the agreement is still valid and you still have a union.

Q: What’s up with the new Employee Handbook? Did the Union agree to that?
A:  We asked to meet and confer with the administration to discuss proposed changes on both sides. This is the process that we have used in MNPS since the SEIU was first recognized back in 2001. The administration decided to distribute the handbook with their changes without our members’ input.

Q: So what is the union going to do about all this?
A:  We’ve submitted proposals for the M.O.U. and the Handbook and we are in the process of scheduling dates for meet-and-confer sessions between your Bargaining Team and the administration. But more importantly, remember that “the Union” is you and your co-workers. If you don’t come to meetings or get involved, we can’t get your input and your issues may not be addressed by the Bargaining Team.

Q: What can I do to help?
A:  First and foremost, we need you to tell us what is happening out in the district—we need your eyes and ears. We also need a person in every school to be willing to update the Union bulletin board so that information is updated and current. If you’re willing to do this, contact your organizer, William Currie at 519-3188 or by email.