See also:

What Every New NYSUT Member Should Know

I'm "new" in the system, after a hiatus raising my kids. I had tenure 20 years ago in another district where I taught for five years. Is is true that it should take only two years here at my new job, not three, to be granted tenure?

Yes. While tenure is not transferable from district to district, once you have been granted tenure in one district in the state, you need serve only a two-year probationary period before being eligible for tenure in another district. (Source: NYSUT's What Every New Member Should Know booklet)

What is collective bargaining and why is it important to me?

Collective bargaining is a formal process where management and employees cooperatively decide on the terms and conditions of employment, salary and benefits. The collective bargaining process relies on both sides negotiating in good faith toward a fair contract.

Collective bargaining gives you the ability to improve your working conditions and other areas you see as critical to performing your job. Many local unions have negotiated increased professional development and incentives for achievements like national board certification through collective bargaining.

This process is one way you can make sure your voice is heard by your employer. (Source: NYSUT Field and Legal Services Department)

What is a bargaining unit?

A bargaining unit is a group of employees with common interests who are protected under the same contract. Teachers and teacher aides, for example, perform different duties and have different pay scales. They are often in different bargaining units, although in some cases they may be represented by the same local union. (Source: NYSUT Field and Legal Services Department)

Who negotiates the contract?

Your interests are represented at the bargaining table by your union colleagues. In some cases, the local president - whom you elect - appoints members to the negotiating team. The school district will also send representatives.

NYSUT Labor Relations Specialists are often at the table, and participate in the bargaining process. (Source: NYSUT Field and Legal Services Department)

Do you have a work- or union-related question that you'd like to see answered in "Your Union Mentor"? E-mail your question along with your name and local association to: cbutler@nysutmail.org.

- Clarisse Butler