Steward Handbook 2021-22

MISSIONSTATEMENTToengageandempowermemberstoimprovetheirprofessionalandpersonallivesthroughtheircollectivevoices.VISIONSTATEMENTUnitedandempoweredprofessionalsleadingtheworkforceoftomorrow!

STRATEGICGOALSGoal1:Encourageinvolvementandmembershipexpansionbydevelopingopportunitiesforengagementinallfacetsofourunion.

Goal2: Advocate forandpromote fairandequitable compensationanda safe,healthyand respectfulworkingenvironment.

Goal3:Providequalityleadershipandprofessionaldevelopmentprogramsthatexpandandsustainourorganizationalcapacityanddiversityandadvancetheprofessionalgrowthofourmembers.

Goal4: DevelopandsustainclosecommunitypartnershipsandsuccessfulcoalitionsinordertoimpactandinDluencethepoliticalprocesswithcredibilityandintegrity.

Goal5:Serveastheprofessionalvoiceofourmembers.WHOWEARE

TheBrowardTeachersUnionproudlyrepresentstheeducation,technicalsupport,educationsupportprofessionalsandcharterschoolprofessionalsofBrowardCounty.BTU-EP:BTU-EducationProfessionals(BrowardInstructionalStaff).

BTU-TSP:BTU-TechnicalSupportProfessionals(BrowardTechnicalSupportStaff).

BTU-CSP:BTU-CharterSchoolProfessionals(PembrokePinesCharterSchoolsInstructionalStaff).

BTU-ESP:BTU-EducationSupportProfessionals(BrowardParaprofessionalStaff).

BTU-R:BTU-RetiredEducationProfessionals(Retirees).

www.facebook.com/BrowardTeachersUnion 2021-22 • Page www.btuonline.com 2twitter.com/browardteachers

http://www.facebook.com/BrowardTeachersUnion

http://www.btuonline.com

http://twitter.com/browardteachers

BrowardTeachersUnionOfFice 954-486-6250.........................................................

FaxNumber 954-739-1803..............................................................................................(formostuptodateinformation,pleasegotoBTUonline.com)

MemberServices

TeachersFinancialServices 954-724-4774..........................................................................................................

BrightStarCreditUnion 954-486-2728..................................................................................................................

Health,Dental,Vision(DistrictBeneDitsOfDice) 754-321-3100...................................................................

StateandDistrictServices

MainSchoolBoardSwitchboard 754-321-0000.................................................................................................

DistrictCertiDicationInformation 754-321-2348...............................................................................................

FloridaCertiDication(FDOE) 800-445-6739.........................................................................................................

MyLearningPlan/ProfessionalLearningHotline 754-321-5055...............................................................

iObservationHotline 754.321.5085.........................................................................................................................

EmployeeEvaluations 754-321-5067.....................................................................................................................

TalentDevelopment 754-321-5006.........................................................................................................................

TeacherInductionforEffectivenessandRetention(TIER) 754-321-5026............................................

SchoolBoardBeneDitsDepartment 754-321-3100...........................................................................................

SchoolBoardPayrollDepartment 754-321-2450..............................................................................................

SchoolBoardPersonnelRecordsDepartment 754-321-0100......................................................................

SchoolBoardLeavesDepartment. 754-321-3130.............................................................................................


http://btuonline.com




Allunionleadersandstaffcanbecontactedviae-mail.Stewardscanusethedirectorybeloworaccesstheunion’se-mailaddressdirectorybyloggingontobtuonline.com.(formostuptodateinformation,pleasegotoBTUonline.com)

Allgeneralcommentsandquestionsshouldbee-mailedto:[email protected]

AnnaFusco,President afusco@btuonline.com..............................................................................................TerryPreuss,FirstVicePresident tpreuss@btuonline.com......................................................................RooseveltMcClary,III,Secretary rmcclary@btuonline.com.....................................................................KennyMinchew,Treasurer kminchew@browardschools.com................................................................LaurieJones,TSPVicePresident ljones@btuonline.com...........................................................................W.TylerKapela,CSPVicePresident tykapela@pinescharter.com.........................................................BernieKemp,ESPVicePresident [email protected]........................................................................

CamiAcceus,FieldStaffRepresentative cacceus@btuonline.com..........................................................BarbaraCavazzi,Receptionist bcavazzi@btuonline.com............................................................................AllisonClarke,FieldStaffRepresentative aclarke@btuonline.com........................................................HollyCorless,DatabaseManager hcorless@btuonline.com......................................................................ShannonD’Avi,AdministrativeAssistant sdavi@btuonline.com..............................................................ClaudiaDelatorre,Bookkeeper bookkeeper@btuonline.com...................................................................EdFarrell,FieldStaffRepresentative efarrell@btuonline.com.................................................................SteveFeldman,FieldStaffRepresentative sfeldman@btuonline.com...................................................JenniferGottlieb,DirectorofPoliticalOrganizing jherard@btuonline.com........................................CarolHerz,Co-DirectorofCommunications cherz@btuonline.com......................................................PaulaJostad,AdministrativeAssistant pjostad@btuonline.com.............................................................TiffanyLawson,AdministrativeAssistant tlawson@btuonline.com.....................................................DevinLee,AdministrativeAssistant dlee@btuonline.com.........................................................................ShafezaMoonab,ProfessionalDevelopmentCoordinator [email protected],FieldStaffRepresentative apierpont@btuonline.com....................................RickReece,Co-DirectorofCommunications rreece@btuonline.com....................................................JenniferReeves,Accountant-CPA jreeves@btuonline.com.........................................................................LilianaRuido,Diversity&MemberOutreach lruido@btuonline.com...................................................DainaSanders,StrategicAnalyst [email protected]....................................................................


http://btuonline.com

mailto:[email protected]
















Stewards’Roles

1. Developandmaintainavisibleunionpresenceatyourworksite.

2. Engageandrecruitnewhiresandpotentialmembers.

3. Buildanddeepenrelationshipswithcurrentmembers.

4. Leadeffortstomovememberstoactivistsandactiviststoleaders.

5. Advocateformembersandpubliceducationatyourworksite,district,local,stateandnationallevels.

6. Seekopportunitiestostrengthenskillsandknowledgeasaleaderandorganizer.

Special contract provisions have been negotiated to provide additional incentives forEducationProfessionalsworkinginschools.Theyare:

• EPReleasetimeforunionbusiness-EPArticle29,D• EPReleasetimetoattendmeetings-EPArticle29,Z• EPSuperseniorityplacementforsummerschoolemployment*-EPArticle6,F,4• EPSuperseniorityfromsurplussing*-EPArticle25,D,6• ESPSuperseniorityexemptionfromlayoff-ESPArticle5,Wor14,B,2• TSPOrderoflayoffs-TSPArticle14,A,5

*DesignatedStewardsONLY

Specialnote:*IncentivesareavailableONLYaslongasyouremainasteward.Exceptforsurplussing,theyareavailabletoALLstewards,notjustdesignatedstewards.





EveryStewardShould:1. Welcomeallnewemployeestoyourworksiteandofferassistance.

2. Conduct a Steward/Administration meeting and complete the Steward/AdministrationGuidewithintheDirstsixweeksoftheschoolyear.

3. Use10minutesateveryfacultymeetingforunionupdates.

4. RecruitalleligibleemployeestojoinBTU.

5. Forschool-basedEPstewards,formandensurecontractadherenceforyoursite’sPDteam,FacultyCouncilandSAC

6. Announceandconductallvotingprocedureswhenastaffvote isnecessary. This includescontractratiDications,stewardelections,facultycouncil,PDteam,schedulechanges,etc.

7. UpdateBTUbulletinboardregularlywithimportantemails/itemspostedonbtuonline.com

8. Attend Area Meetings and quarterly Steward Council Meetings (see www.btuonline.com/info/stewards.htmortheBTUCalendarfordates)

9. UtilizeStewardReleaseDaystoconductunionbusinessatyourworksite,orattendauniontraining(seewww.btuonline.com/info/stewards.htmortheBTUCalendarfordates)

10.Ensure all BTU members at yourworksiteknowtheyhavearighttoaskfor union representation if they arecalled to a meeting that they believemayleadtodiscipline

11.Con t a c t you r BTU D i e l d s t a f frepresentative if a member is beingdisciplinedoraskedforastatementorif there is a need to Dile a grievance atyourworksite.

12.CompleteastewardincentiveformnolaterthanMay20,2022.

13.NotifyBTUstaffofanyviolationofthecontract.Callandaskifyouhaveanydoubts.

14.Instructmemberstonotanswerquestionsorprovideawrittenstatementwithoutrepresentation.





http://www.btuonline.com/info/stewards.htm



1. LovetheUnion“Everyoneisunion,somejusthaven’tjoinedyet.”ThisquotebyourpresidentAnnaFuscoexpressesherpassionforourunion.Withoutyourstewardshipandpassionourunionwoulddissolve.Thankyoufortheloveofunionittakestobeasteward.

2. BeCredible

Readthecontract,learntherulesandfollowthecontractyourself.Managementandmembersarewatchingyou.Youaretheexample.

3. Behonestaboutyourstrengthsandweaknesses

Stewardsarealwaysbeingaskedquestions.Don'tactlikeyouknowwhatyou'retalkingaboutwhenyoudon't--yourfriendsandyourco-workerswillseethroughitrightaway.Findout,andgetbacktothem.

4. Figureoutwheretoturnforanswers

YourunionofDicersandstaffareknowledgeableincontractinterpretationandmanyareasoflaborlaw.Other union activists can be important resources. Depending onwhere theywork, there areundoubtedlythosewhoknowmorethananyonewhatgoesonbehindmanagement'scloseddoors.

5. Knowinghowtodelegatetasksisyourmostimportantskill

Recruitingvolunteersisaneasilylearnedskill.Somepeopledoitnaturally,othersbeneDitfromspeciDictraininginrecruitingorteam-building.

6. Ifyoutrytodoitallyourself,itwon'twork

Youwon'tbeabletodoanythingonyourownaswellasyoucouldwiththehelpofothers.Ifyouarealwaysfrustrated,you'llburnout.Themorepeopleyougetinvolved,themoreyoucanaccomplish.

7. Yourjobistoempowerpeople

GiveamanaDish;he'lleatfortheday.TeachamantoDish;he'lleatforalifetime.Ifallyoudoissolveotherpeople'sproblems for them,whatare theygoing todowhenyou'renot there?Helppeoplelearnhowtosolvetheirownproblems.





8. Askalotofquestions

Socratesbecamefamousforareason.Thebestideascomefrompickingalotofmindsandgettingpeopletothinkaboutoldproblemsinnewways.

9. Learnhowtolisten

Whengrievancesandpersonnelproblemsoccur,sometimesjustbeingwillingtolistenisthemostimportantthingyoucando.Whenyou'reorganizingyouneedtoknowhowotherpeoplefeelandhowtheyviewthesituationbeforeyoucaninDluencethem.Askandlisten.

10. Don'tallowmanagementtomistreatyou

When you are representing your co-workers you are your supervisor’s equal. You are bothintelligentadults.Onthejob,yoursupervisormayhaveauthorityoveryou.Butonunionbusiness,youarehis/herequal.

11. Neverassumethatmanagementknowsmorethanyou

Most supervisors have little understanding of contract rights or labor law. Generally, they haveexperienceinotherareas.Anythingyoulearnaboutemployees'rightsonthejobmakesyoumoreofanexpertinthatareathantheyare.Knowyourcontract.

12. Chooseyourbattles

Defendingyourfellowemployeesisanimportantpartofaunionsteward'sjob,butifthatisallyoudoyou'realwaysonthedefensive.Ifyouidentifyissuesandtaketheinitiativetodemandchanges,youwillmakeimportantprogress.Don'tletmanagementcontroltheagenda.Beproactiveandpicktheissueswhereyouthinkyoucanmakesomeheadway.

13. Alwaysgetbacktopeople

If youwantyour co-workers to trust you,be responsible and reliable.Donotpromise thingsyoucan'tdeliver,andbesuretofollowthroughoncommitmentsyoumake.

14. Beorganizedinyourownlife

Pickasystemandkeeptoit.Howareyougoingtokeeptrackofappointmentsandmeetings?Whereareyougoingtokeepnotesandreminderstoyourself?Throwoutpapersyoudonotneed,andhaveagoodsystemforDindingthestuffyoukeep.

15. Maintainasenseofhumor

Ononehand,ridiculecanbeapowerfulweaponagainstanirrationalsupervisor.Ontheotherhand,donottakeyourselftooseriously.Ifyougetself-righteous,youwon'tlearnfromyourmistakes,andyouwillturnpeopleoff.





JointheBTUforthese“memberonly”beneFits!

MaintainsalocalofDicewithimmediateaccessibility

Provideslocalstaffexpertstohelpwithyourimmediateproblemsandquestions

Offersimmediateconsultationandrepresentationwhenproblemsariseatyourworksite

Provideslegalrepresentationinemployment-relatedissuesbyastaffoflaborattorneys

Representsyouingrievancesandproblemswiththeadministration

Advocatesforyourinterests

Supportscandidateswhoworkforthequalityofpublicschoolsandwhosupportteacherrights

Advocatesagainstprovidingpublicmoneytosupportprivateandreligiousschools

HelpssavemembersmoneythroughmemberbeneDitsanddiscountprograms

Providesaccesstolocal,stateandnationalpublicationstokeepyouinformedofissuesaffectingtheteachingprofession

Freeprofessionaldevelopmentworkshops,seminarandopportunitiestohelpwithprofessional/personalgrowth,allwithESESpointsthatdon’texpire!

Maintainsanup-to-datewebsiteandsocialnetworkingsitepages





Asagrievancerepresentative:

A grievance is a violation of the contract. Some workers believe anything they don’t like about work is a grievance. YOU are the “eyes and ears” of the Broward Teachers Union in the workplace. The first task of the steward is to LISTEN to your members’ stories. Having given a sympathetic ear to your members, you may then determine if it necessitates further investigation and assistance from your Field Staff Representative. (Go to btuonline.com/AboutBTU/repassignments.htm to check for your site’s Field Rep. Is it a gripe or grievance?

Thefollowingaresomequestionstopursue:

1. Whoisinvolved?Nameofemployee,jobtitle.Whowitnessedtheincidentorwasinvolvedinthesituation?Whoarethemanagement/supervisors/administratorsinvolved?

2.Whendidithappen? Timeanddate3.Wheredidithappen? Location4.Whathappenedorfailedtohappen?

Awrittennarrative5.Whyisthisagrievance? ContractArticle,StateStatute,StateorFederalLawnotadheredto.6.Howshouldthisberemedied? TheDix,theoutcome,anactionplan

Youmustdeterminewhichactionorfailuretoactonthepartoftheadministrationand/ormanagementisthebasisfortheconcern.GatherallofthespeciDics.Askquestions.

Example: Theprincipalstateshe/shehasreceivedadirectiveormemofromthedistrictandalleducationprofessionalsmustdoastold.

Respond: Wewouldliketoseethememo!

* The Bill of Rights still exists, and the administration and/or management do not control theFreedomofSpeechclause.

* Membersmaynotalwaysbringtheircomplaintsorconcernstothesteward.Thatisbecausetheymaybescared,ortheydonotknowtheyhavebeenwrongedandsomethingcanbedoneaboutit.

* Once you have investigated the incident, youmust determine if themembers’ rights have beenviolatedinanyofthefollowingways:


http://btuonline.com/AboutBTU/repassignments.htm




Contract

Contract violations involve suchmatters aswages, hours, work environment, terms and conditions ofemployment,etc.Thecontractlanguageusuallyspellsoutactionsandprocedures.

PastPractice

Nocontractcontainseverypracticeofajob.Ifthepracticehasbeeninplaceforanextendedperiodandisacceptedbybothemployeesandadministration(orallyorwritten)orneithersidehaseverobjected,achangeofthispracticemayconstituteaviolation.

FairTreatment

If the administration andmanagement discriminate based on union activity, race, age, sex, nationality,sexual orientation or religion, the unionmay pursue such actions. Stewards should ask the aggrievedmembertokeepanotebookandwritedownwhatwasdoneandsaid,completewithdates,placesandanywitnesses.

AdministrativeRules,PoliciesorResponsibilities

Theadministrationhascertain responsibilities itmust carryout. If theadministration fails to fulDill itsresponsibilitiesorviolatesitsownschoolboardpolicies,itmaybethebasisforfurtherunionaction.

Ifyouareunsurehowtodeterminewhatactionmaybetakenforacertainproblem,seektheassistanceofother members, experienced stewards, or contact your union Dield staff representative. Making adetermination is often difDicult because the administration can use sophisticated ways to violatemembers’rights.

* Ifasituationjustplainseemsunfair,trustyourinstinctsevenifyoucannotdeterminewhichareatodirectaresponse.Withexperience,youcanorganizeyourmembersaroundanyunfairactionandeffectivelymakeitaconcernbyforcingadministrationtodealwiththeissue.

MeetingwithAdministration&Management

* Anticipatetheadministratorandmanagement’spossiblereactionsandhavesuggestionsreadyinadvance.Prepareyourstatements.

* Conferencewiththeadministratorandmanager.Rememberthatthisisameetingofequals.Youareacting as an ofDicial representative of the union and not merely as an employee under theadministrator’ssupervision.BeconDidentandstateyourconcernsandsolutions.





BesuretocontactyourFieldStaffRepresentativeforGrievanceRepresentation

1. HaveaPlan

Shooting from the hip when going into a grievance session is dangerously close to shootingyourselfinthefoot.Meetwithyourgrievantbeforehand.Reviewallthearguments.Decideonyourbestevidence.Talkaboutstrategy-theplanforhowthemeetingislikelytogo.Knowwhatyourdesiredoutcomeis.

If your grievant is going to testify, go through a rehearsal. Ask all the questions that you thinkmanagementmayaskwhentheytrytounderminehis/hertestimony.Makesuretheanswersarewhattheyshouldbe.

2. NoSurprises

Makesureyouknoweverythingaboutwhathappenedinthecase.Nothingdestroysagameplanmore than Dindingoutnew information in themiddleofagrievancehearing, likewitnessesyoudon’tknowabout,orpriorwarnings.

3. Don’tLoseYourCool

Ifyouwanttomaintaincontrolofthemeeting,startbymaintainingyourself-control.Thatisnottosaythatangeroremotioncannotbeeffectivetoolsforyoutouse.However,donotbespontaneous.Anyoutburstsshouldbeapartofyourplan.

4. BeRealisticAboutYourChances

Understandgoingintothesessionwhetheryouareinastrongpositionoraweakone.Whatdoesyourcontractsayaboutthelaworenforceablepolicies?Ifthefactsareclearlyonyourside,donotgiveaninchuntilyouwantto.

However,mostgrievancesarenotthatblackandwhite.Oftenit’sasituationthatisnew,thatwasnotanticipatedthelasttimethecontractwasnegotiated.Besureyouknowifyouarebuildingacaseonconcreteorsand.Discusstheoddsofwinninginadvancewithyourgrievant.

5. KnowWheretheOtherSideStands

Put yourself in the employer’s shoes for aminute and think about how theywill present theirarguments.Considerhowtheywilldefendtheiractions,andknowbeforeyouwalkintotheroomwhatyourresponsewillbetotheirpresentation.





6. Don’tGetPersonal

Youwanttochallengemanagement’sactions,butyoudonotwanttoattackpeoplepersonally. Ifyoumake it personal, it is harder for theother side to agree that you are right. Ifmanagementmakesitpersonal,donotgetbaitedintoashoutingmatch.Donotletyourgrievantcallthebossastupid clown - nomatterhow true itmaybe. Itwill onlyhelpprove their claimof apatternofinappropriateconductonthepartofthegrievant.

7. AskQuestions

Lookfortheinconsistenciesinmanagement’sarguments,andpickthemapart.Donotletthemoffthehookiftheyofferevasiveanswers.Bepersistent.Iftheirsideofthestoryisafairytale,chancesaretherewillbecontradictionsintheirarguments,witnesses,evidence,and/orstatements–Dindthem.

8. HaveNotes,TakeNotes

Never go into a grievance hearingwithout awritten outline of the arguments you are going topresent,andtheevidenceyouhavetobackitup.

Duringthehearing,takegoodnotes-especiallywhenmanagementismakingtheircase.Nothingslowsasupervisordownmorethanknowingyouarewritingdownwhattheysay,wordforword.Goodnoteswillalsohelpyouprepareifyouneedtoappealthecasefurther.

9. HaveWrittenEvidence

Ifitisafact,peoplearemorelikelytobelievesomethingwrittendown.Stewardsshouldpreparecompletedocumentation.

IfyouhavecopiesofrelevantofDicialdocuments,handthemoutatthehearing.Ifyourargumententails a speciDic chronology of events, type it out and distribute it. Written documents easilybecomethepointofreferenceforeverybody’sdiscussion.Iftheyareyourdocuments,thenyouarecontrollingthediscussion.

10. StayUnited

Neverdisagreeamongyourselvesduringagrievancehearing.Beespeciallycarefulifmanagementasksaquestionthatyoudidnotanticipate.Feelfreetocallforacaucus,soyoucanstepoutsideanddiscusssomethinginprivatewithyourgrievant.Nevershowmanagementthatthereisanythingbutfullagreementonyoursideofthetable.





BulletinBoardGuidelines:

• Keepyourbulletinboardneatanduncluttered.

• Keepyourbulletinboardup-to-dateforallunits.(Removeoldhandoutsandaddnew.)

• Makeyourbulletinboardattractiveandeasytoread.

• Judgewhatgoesonthebulletinboardcarefully.Someitemsarebestdistributedinmailboxesortoindividuals.

• Include important information fromBTU communicationsor from theBTUwebsite on thebulletinboard.

• Placeyourbulletinboardinacentral,well-visitedlocation.

• Morethanonebulletinboardmaybenecessary.

REMEMBER --BTU has the right to at least one unencumbered bulletin board. No other organization,

member or education professional can use or post material on the union bulletin board. All other

informationgoesonanall-purposeboardordesignatedarea;i.e.in-serviceinfo,vacancynotices,rentals,

thankyounotes,etc.(Contractlanguage:EP29,C•ESP5,E,1•TSP5,C)





StewardLeadershipTrainingProgramIn an effort to empower education professionals through education and to develop leaders for theadvancementofprofessionalization,theBrowardTeachersUnionoffersvariouslevelsofstewardtraining.Itispossibleforstewardstoreceiveuptohalfoftheirduesasarebateifcertainrequirementsashighlightedon theStewardChecklisthavebeenmet. Informationonboth theLeadership trainingclasses and the Steward Checklists can be found on the Steward Web Page (www.btuonline.com/info/stewards.htm)Uponcompletionof thisprogram, each steward shouldhaveattained the following skillsandknowledge:

1. UtilizetheSteward/AdministratorDiscussionGuidelines.

2. Knowtheroleanddutiesofthesteward.

3. OrganizeandparticipateinafullyfunctionalFacultyCouncilforschoolbasedstewards.

4. Leadeffortstomovememberstoactivistsandactiviststoleaders.

5. Conductmembershipmeetingsatschoolorworksites.

6. DisseminatematerialandactasaliaisonbetweentheBTUstaffandtheunionmembers.

7. PromotemembershipandactivismintheBTUandCOPE-TIGER.

8. Actasaresourceforthemembers.

9. Actasanadvocate/representativeforthemembers.

10. Possessrudimentaryknowledgeofcontractnegotiations.

11. Possessknowledgeofcontractlanguage,salary,beneDits,andworkingconditions.

12. Possessknowledgeofthegrievanceprocedureandactasarepresentativeattheinformallevelofthegrievanceprocedure.

13. Beabletoinformmembersoftheirbasiccontractualrights.

14. Possessrudimentaryknowledgeofadministrativelaw.







Q. WhatisCOPE-TIGER?

A. COPE-TIGER is thePoliticalActionCommitteeof theBrowardTeachersUnionand isestablished inaccordancewithstateandlocalelectionlaws.

Q. WhydoestheBTUneedapoliticalactioncommittee?

A. Politics canmean your job and your union! The legislative process is the foundation of collectivebargainingandagoodcontract.WehelpelectlegislatorswhobecomestrongadvocatesforourcausesinTallahassee and Washington, D.C. Decisions on everyday concerns are made in the political arena.Salaries, certiDication, insurance, career advancement and retirement affect each one of us. Weconcentrateoureffortstoelectfriendsofeducation.Tobesuccessful,wemustbeaviable,visiblepoliticalentity.

Q. WhyshouldIgiveCOPE$1.20perpayperiodindues?

A.YourdonationtoCOPEistangibleevidenceofyourcommitmentandsupport.COPEdollarsgotowardcommunicatingwith you, the community and our elected ofDicials. Your dollars support our lobbyingprogram,whichincludesastafflobbyist,andlobbyingteams,COPEactivistsattendingpoliticalfunctionsandpolitical club/organizationaldues.All of thesekeep theBTU in themindsof our legislators. COPEdollarspayforjournaladsandpositivepublicrelationsforourunion.COPEmoneyisalsousedtomakecampaigncontributionstocandidateswhosupportoureducationalcausesatthelocal,stateandnationallevel. The$1amonththatyougivetoBTUCOPE-TIGER,combinedwithallofthoseofyourcolleagues,getstheBTUinterestsandneedstopeoplewhocanmakethingshappen.

Q. HowdoesCOPE-TIGERdecidetosupportoropposeanissue?

A. BTU members give us direction on issues. We research the issues, disseminate information viapublications,schoolmeetingsandphonecalls,andthensolicitinputfromyouthroughsurveys,meetingsanddirectconversation.Weworkforyou.

Q. WhygivetoCOPEinsteadofdirectlytoacandidate?

A. The primary objective of funds is to support candidates who support improved public educationprograms.ItisessentialthattheelectedofDicialsclearlyrecognizethelinkbetweentheunion'spoliticalarm and its legislative program. This relationship becomes unclear if members make individualcontributions.Additionally, the impactof individualsmallcontributions isnotasgreatasgroupefforts.WhentheBTUgivesmoneytocandidates,recognitionisobtainedforallmembersinBrowardCounty.Itis the total organization that lobbies for you with the school board as well as state and nationallegislatures.RecognitionisessentialtopoliticalinDluence.





Q. WillCOPE-TIGERtellmehowtovote?

A.No.COPE-TIGERdoesnottellunionmembershowtovote.Weprovidememberswithmaterialsonthecandidates, along with their voting records and other information to help them make informed,responsiblechoices.

Q. HowdoesCOPEselectthecandidateswesupport?

A.MemberslikeyouwithaninterestinpoliticsbecomeactivemembersintheCOPECommittee.

ThisinterestcanleadtotheselectionofcandidatesthroughmembershipontheScreeningCommittee.Wescreen candidates on their positions regarding education issues, their leadership and/or committeepositions,andtheabilityofthechallengertobeaviablecandidateandthenrecommendendorsements.AllcandidatesforofDicesaffectingeducation,regardlessofpoliticalparty,areinvitedtoparticipateintheprocess that includes questionnaires and interviews. Incumbents have their voting records oneducationalissuestrackedaswell.TheBTUhasendorsedandthenworkedtoelectmanyofeducation'sstrongestallies.

Q. IamaRepublican.WhyshouldIsupportmylocal'sendorsedcandidateswhensomanyofthecandidatesareDemocrats?

A. COPE-TIGER is nonpartisan and intends to remain nonpartisan. Political party afDiliation is not aconsiderationinendorsements.Votingrecordsoneducation,leadershipandcommitteepositionsandtheabilityofthechallengertobeaviablecandidatearethedeterminantsforselection.

Q. Doesn’ttheUnionreceiveenoughfundsfrommemberduestopayforitsgovernmentrelationsprogram?

A. Memberduesareneverused topay for theunion’sgovernment relationsprogram.Membership inCOPE-TIGERisvoluntaryandcontributionsareusedexclusivelytofundcommitteeactivities.Q.HowdoestheUnionkeepuptodatewithlocal,state,andnationallegislation,politicians,andgrass-rootsefforts?A.TheUnionhasanumberofresourcessuchasaPoliticalOrganizer,afDiliateswebpages,participationintheCentralLaborCouncilandmemberactivists.

Q. HowcanIbecomeamemberofCOPE-TIGER?

A.SimplysigntheCOPEpayrolldeductioncard.(btuonline.com/pdf/CopeTigerCard.pdf)

$1.20eachpayperiodwillautomaticallybedeductedbythePayrollDepartment.





http://btuonline.com/pdf/CopeTigerCard.pdf

PublicationsTheprimaryfocusofBTUCommunicationsistoworkonbehalfofthemembershipbyprovidingaccurateandup-to-dateinformationtoallofDicers,staff,stewards,membersandthenewsmedia.

ThedepartmentdoesthisviasocialnetworkingsitessuchasFacebook,Twitter,andInstagramaswellasviaouruser-friendlyandconstantlyupdatedwebsite.

E-Mails

In order to give stewards and members the most up-to-the-minute information, the CommunicationsDepartmentsendsfrequente-mailstostewardsandmembersviaActionNetworktomembers’districte-mailaddresses,personalemailaddresses,orboth.

WealsoconductmembersurveysviaLeadernet,whicharevitaltounderstandingtheneedsandwishesofallmembers.





2020-2021UnionFinancialInformationOurmembersmusthaveabsoluteconDidencethattheirmoneyisbeingusedwisely.ThatiswhyBTUhasconductedathoroughreviewofthelocal’sDinancesandimplementedaclearandtransparentbudgetingsystem,bestDinancialpractices,andastrongsystemofchecksandbalances.WecontinuetoworkeverydaytomaintainDinancialintegrityforourunion.

OurunionhassigniDicantlyincreaseditsDinancialtransparencybymakingDinancialinformationavailabletomembers, stewards, andexecutiveboardmembers.Weengagewith an independent certiDiedpublicaccountingDirmonanannualbasistoexamineandaccountforallunionDinancialtransactions.OurunionisprovidingextensivetrainingtoofDicersandmembersonhowtoreadandinterpretDinancialdocuments.

BTUAccountant JenniferReeves,CPA, servesasa resource to theBudgetCommitteeand theexecutiveboard.TheBudgetCommitteemeetsmonthlytoreviewbudgetlineitemsandmakethenecessarybudgetrecommendationstotheexecutiveboard.RecommendationsoftheBudgetCommitteearenotadoptedinthebudgetuntiltheyareapprovedbyavoteoftheexecutiveboard.Allexpensesincurredbytheunion,with limited exceptions for small expenses,mustbe included in the approvedbudget. Executiveboardmembersreceiveunion Dinancialstatementsonamonthlybasis,and Dinancialstatementsarepreparedanddiscussedateverystewardcouncilmeeting.

CURRENTDUES

FulltimeEP/TSPDues:$886.92$44.35perpaycheck–20deductions

FulltimeESP/PartTimeEPDues:$448.85$22.44perpaycheck–20deductions

CSP(Pines)Dues:$886.92$36.95perpaycheck–24deduction

ESP(PartTime)Dues:$229.24$11.46perpaycheck–20deductions





A. Whereyourduesdollarsgo:

• Contractnegotiationandimplementation.• Professionalstaffandlegalservicestodefendmemberrights.• Day-to-dayexpensesrequiredinmaintainingtheunionofDiceandstaff.• Printingandmailingcoststomembers.• Membershipupdatesandotherunionpublications.• Lobbyingforeducationlegislation.–COPE• Representationofeducationprofessionalsintheorganization.• Expensestoconventions,meetings,etc.• State,NationalAfDiliateOrganizationsandtheAFL-CIO.• Occupationalliabilityinsurance($1,000,000).

B. WhereyourunionduesdoNOTgo:

• Unionduesarenotusedtocontributetocandidatecampaigns.Ourpoliticalactionmoneycomesfromvoluntarycontributionsdonatedforsuchaction.Theunionnegotiatedpayrolldeductionprovisionsforpoliticalactionfundsandmaintainsaseparateaccountforthem.

C. Thedemocraticstructureoftheunion:

• RegularelectionofofDicers.• Governingdocuments:bylawsandconstitution.• Membershipmeetingsopentoallmembers.• Electedbodies(ExecutiveBoardandStewardCouncil)voteonallpertinentissuesincluding

membershipduesissues.• Theorganizationabidesbyallnational,stateandlocalstatutesregardingunionaffairs.

D. Financialchecksandbalances:

• TheunionmaintainschecksandbalancesindealingwithitsDinances.• AllDinancialdocumentsproducedbytheunion’sindependentandcertiDiedpublicaccounting

Dirmareavailableforreviewbymembersattheunion’sofDices.• TheunionprovidesDinancialreportstoallstewardsonaregularbasis.• RegularDinancialauditsbyanoutside,independentauditor.






TheFloridaEducationAssociation

The Florida Education Association (FEA) represents 140,000members who work in Florida's public schools, colleges anduniversities.Themembership consistsof teachers,busdrivers,faculty members, school secretaries, custodians, cafeteriaworkers, educational aides, librarians, painters, mediatechnicians and bus mechanics. The association’s membersworkwithFlorida'spublicschoolchildrenandcollegestudentsintheirpursuitofqualityeducation.

BeneDitsprovided:

• LegalDefenseFund• Local,stateandnational• Legislativeagendas• Professionaldevelopment• 140,000membersstrong

AmericanFederationofTeachers

American Federation of Teachers (AFT),works to improve thelivesofourmorethanonemillionmembersandtheir families,to give voice to their legitimate professional, economic andsocial aspirations, to strengthen the institutions in which wework,toimprovethequalityoftheservicesweprovide,tobringtogetherallmemberstoassistandsupportoneanotherandtopromotedemocracy,humanrightsandfreedominourunion,inournationandthroughouttheworld.

BeneDitsprovided:

• Educationresearchanddissemination• LegalDefenseFund• Leadershiptraining• Civilandhumanrightscauses• Professionalissues





NationalEducationAssociation

The National Education Association (NEA) is America's oldestand largest organization committed to advancing the cause ofpublic education. Founded in 1857 in Philadelphia and nowheadquartered in Washington, D.C., NEA proudly claims morethan3.2millionmemberswhoworkateverylevelofeducation,from pre-school to university graduate programs. NEA hasafDiliates in every state as well as in over 13,000 localcommunitiesacrosstheUnitedStates.

BeneDitsprovided:

• ProfessionalIssuesWatch• Communitydevelopment• NationalTeacherStandardsBoard• LegalDefenseFund• Liabilityinsurance• Advocatesforschoolreform

AFL-CIO

The American Federation of Labor-Congress of IndustrialOrganizations(AFL-CIO)isavoluntaryfederationof66nationalandinternationallaborunions.Theunionsrepresent13millionworkingwomenandmenofeveryraceandethnicityand fromeverywalkoflife.Weareteachersandteamsters,musiciansandminers, DireDighters and farm workers, bakers and bottlers,engineersandeditors,pilotsandpublicemployees,doctorsandnurses,paintersandlaborers-andmore.

BeneDitsprovided:

• Socialandeconomicjustice• Local,stateandnational• Legislativeagendas• PoliticalofDicescreenings• Advocatesforworkingfamilies

A comprehensive listing of beneKits provided by our afKiliates ispublished on btuonline.com so members can access themanywheretheyhaveInternetaccess.




Steward Handbook 2021-22

Documents

Transcript of Steward Handbook 2021-22