President’s Message
As we begin a new school year we continue to face many challenges. It is crucial that we are united as a union when facing all challenges and controversies. We have many activities and workshops planned for this year. See your Senior Building Representatives for our 2018-2019 calendar. Don’t miss our “Old Meets the New” Activity on September 22nd at 3:00- 5:00 at the Irish Pub in the patio room. Make sure you bring new members with you.
It is imperative that we are united as a union. Please make sure you attend ten minute meetings in your building. We also need to be visible at Board meetings. I am asking that five members from each building attend the monthly regular Board Meetings that begin at 5:00 and are held in the Board Room at 1300 Atlantic Avenue, sixth floor. The Board needs to see union members taking notes at their meetings. The members that attend the meetings can share what actually happened at the Board meeting with their fellow members in their buildings. This month’s Board meeting is on Tuesday, October 17th at 6:00 in the City Center Building. Go to www.acboe.org for the schedule of Board meetings.
The ACEA continues to work hard to ensure the contract is enforced. A Director sent out an email dated 8/14/17 with directives that effected school secretaries. The ACEA filed a grievance on behalf of school secretaries and any other similarly effected members. We believe that the secretaries’ work load was increased due to the directives in the email and that secretaries are being asked to do assignments beyond their job description. The remedy sought is: 1) The email dated 8/14/17 must be rescinded immediately. 2) In the event that the memo is not rescinded, secretaries must be compensated for working beyond their contractual hours and any other appropriate remedy. The grievance was denied at the Director’s and Superintendent’s Level. The grievance is now at the Board level and a Board Review should be held during the month of October. We advise all effected secretaries to keep documentation of the date and times when they worked beyond their contractual hours due to the increase of workload.
I am reminding all members that the rule of thumb when filing a grievance is : “Do it, then grieve it”. Follow directives from your superiors. Failure to do so could be considered insubordination which can lead to tenure charges, termination, increment withholding, etc.
I will continue to keep you informed on all outstanding issues! I look forward to seeing you at our 10/23 General Meeting at 3:15 at the Dr. MLK, Jr. School Complex Little Theater.
Preparing for our first Door-To-Door event, meeting and listening to our members to serve them better.
ACEA members and NJEA staff working together on our Door-To-Door event.
Our Door-To-Door Leadership!