Edwardsville Education Association
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Grievance?
A grievance is a complaint, a deviation, or a misapplication of past practice involving a work situation that you believe violated: an article of the Union Contract, ECUSD7 Board Policies and Rules, or (in some cases) state or federal laws.
Remain Professional
What if I suspect a Grievance?
It is natural to feel upset when your principal or supervisor instructs you to do something that you know goes against the rules. Nevertheless, it is crucial to bear in mind that disregarding an order from your principal or supervisor, even if you believe they are mistaken, is classified as "insubordination" according to the law. In such cases, it is advisable to uphold the principle of "smile and file." Politely inform your superior that their directive is incorrect, proceed to execute the task, all the while documenting the issue. Subsequently, after work hours, approach your representative or reach out to the union to initiate the grievance procedure. While you may not be able to prevent your boss from making a mistake initially, you can certainly deter them from repeating it in the future!
Document, Document, Document
What do I need to Document?
When you suspect an issue with your work conditions or encounter a problematic situation, it is important to promptly document the details. One method is to send an email to yourself for record-keeping purposes. Alternatively, you can email your administrator. When communicating with your administrator, focus on presenting factual information. While the administrator may recognize any mistakes upon reading your email or retract an erroneous directive, it should not be relied upon as the sole solution to the issue, nor should it be used as a platform to express frustrations. Instead, consider initiating the email with a phrase such as, “Dear [administrator]: I am writing to confirm my understanding of our discussion on [date and time]. When [event] occurred, you mentioned [details],” etc. Provide a thorough account of the situation. This documentation may serve as formal evidence later on, or at the very least, it will help clarify any misunderstandings surrounding the issue. At this point, it is important to begin documentation. Here is a documentation log that you may use.
Role of your Building Representative
What should I do next?
If you feel that you have a concern that could result in a grievance, the first step is to reach out to your EEA building representative. Ordinarily, your building representative(s) will address the issue directly with the building administrator during their monthly meeting. If a resolution is not reached, building representatives will bring the issue to the attention of union leadership, who will address the issue with the acting Superintendent. Starting the grievance process at the school level can help identify if other colleagues are experiencing similar challenges and may present an opportunity for educators to collaborate in finding a resolution. When handling a grievance informally in this manner, it is crucial to adhere to the specified time constraints.
Time Limit for Filing
The formal process must begin within 180 workdays from the first occurrence of the violation.
Who to Contact?
Contact your building representative for further information.
FAQ
Loss of Plan Time
Sick Days
If you are asked to sub on your prep, you should be paid for the time you sub during the planning time.
The district can require you to get a doctor's note for any sick day taken. Please know that our health insurance plan and the Doctors on Demand app can supply that for you.
Please refer to the contract for any additional non-instructional assignments or contact your building representative.