2015-2016 Member Survey
The results are in from our June survey of member priorities. These results will guide us in our advocacy for members during the academic year beginning in September. Getting another step increase led with 38% of the vote, followed by a cost of living increase and help with improvement plans at 19% each. Also receiving votes were clearer rules for classified staff overtime (13%) and more class size and caseload reductions and clarification of temporary workers’ sick leave, which is not presently accrued during school vacations (both receiving 6%).
Take a Break at Our Labor Day Picnic
Many of us in the school system don’t plan much for Labor Day weekend so we can be ready for school the next day. But you deserve your holiday and this is the perfect way to celebrate the accomplishments of the labor movement.
Attached is a flier with the details about our annual Labor Day picnic. We have entertained the NoVa Labor Federation at Veterans’ Park in Woodbridge for the past 21 years and you and your families are invited to join us at noon on September 7th.
Reclaiming the Promise of Fairness by PWFT President Bill Hosp
We are still attempting to settle one dismissal appeal here at the end of July. Our other cases have ended with settlements. The single most important action a member can take is to contact us as soon as you learn that your evaluator is not satisfied with your work. The earlier we get involved in a case the better your chances will be. We have members who have belonged to other unions and they tell us we give superior service to members who are in trouble.
As a former justice of the peace and championship high school debate coach I can help you proactively manage your case. Don’t be embarrassed to call. This happened to me a few years back and I won a transfer because I consulted the union and I knew how to handle my administrator. My e-mail address is whospjr@yahoo.com and my cellphone number is 571-330-8623. If I am unable to pick up the phone please leave a message or text me. I’m retired from teaching and this is my volunteer work. This is what makes us the job protection union.
Dues for 2015-2016
In a related development we must inform you that dues will increase in the coming school year. This is necessary to cover our greater involvement with legal issues confronting members. Dues for full time teachers will be $24 per payday and for part time teachers and classified staff they will be $12 per payday.
Members of the Month
Congratulations to the family of Katie Spaulding and the family of Justin Wilk for welcoming new additions to their respective families. Katie is a Reading teacher at Fitzgerald and Justin is a candidate for the school board. Both are proud parents of their new babies.
We also want to congratulate Shana Robinson for her promotion to administrative intern at Ashland. She was previously librarian and summer school principal at Fitzgerald.