Together we are the union. Together we negotiate a contract called the Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Gadsden Independent School District which spells out the terms and conditions of our employment. Together we represent a force of united educational employees with other locals in the state to propose and fight for progressive and positive changes in the educational system affecting employees, students, parents, and our communities. Together we enforce our employee rights including due process for just cause; our right to local representation (Weingarten Rights); and the right to organize in the workplace.
The district's website home page has the link to the new contract. We strongly advise that you read it and bring up any violation to our attention.
The Goals and Mission of Local 4212 as listed in our Constitution include:
- To advocate for good working conditions, rates of pay, benefits for our members by negotiating and enforcing a strong CBA.
- To build and model workplace democracy and sustain respectful workplace environments.
- To confront and challenge when employees are treated without respect.
- To have an inclusive union with members who are engaged in an effective structure.
- To build and support an educated, strong, and effective shop steward structure.
- To be informed and active in our governmental legislation that affects our jobs as educational employees.
Weingarten Rights:
You have the right to have a shop steward or staff representative (union representative) during an investigatory interview, especially if you think the interview will result in disciplinary action. These rights were created from the results of a United States Supreme Court decision originally made in 1975 and extended to non-union employees in 2000. The following guidelines apply:
- The employee must make a clear request for union representation before or during the interview.
- The employer must grant the request and delay questioning until the union representative arrives and has a chance to consult privately with the employee; deny the request and end the interview immediately; or give the employee a choice of having the interview without representation or ending the interview.
- If the employer denies the request for union representation and continues to ask questions, it commits an unfair labor practice and the employee has the right to refuse to answer. The employer may not discipline the employee for such a refusal.
To join the Gadsden Federation of Teachers, Local 4212 click on the link below:
https://connect.aft.org/app/memberforms/04212/join
You may also scan the following QR code to complete the online membership form using your phone:
You may also contact Grace Jimenez at grace@nmaft.org for a paper form to be sent to your school.
Together we can transform the workplace for the better.