We are educators at Illinois State University’s Thomas Metcalf School & University High School, working to make our great schools even better for our students — and all of us who educate them.
We are working to protect what makes our schools unique and working to ensure safe, fair, equitable & dignified working conditions — knowing that our working conditions are our students’ learning conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What rights and protections do we have now that we are a union?
Having a union provides rights and protections under the law (the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Act). The IELRA dramatically limits the employer’s rights to make decisions unilaterally. The employer is required to bargain in good faith and in a timely manner over all decisions regarding wages, hours, benefits, and working conditions with our democratically elected representatives.
If we join the union, does the law protect us from retaliation?
Yes! We are fully protected in the exercise of our rights to organize and work together as a union. Acts of harassment, coercion and intimidation are violations of state and federal law, constituting an unfair labor practice. IEA will provide us with the legal services necessary to ensure that the law is followed.
What do we get for our dues?
Dues help provide members with a number of benefits, including:
- Full legal services for job-related problems
- $1,000,000 liability insurance protection
- Professional assistance with contract negotiations
- Professional assistance with contract enforcement, including grievance & arbitration
- Access to conferences, training programs, and professional development
- Access to NEA & IEA Member Benefits (save money on auto and home insurance, investments, appliances, vehicles, travel and more)
- Individual assistance and advice when we need advocacy, representation or support
- Attorney referral program including an hour of free consultation for non job-related business
Is everyone required to join the union?
Membership is always voluntary. But it’s our membership that gives us the power to create the kind of schools we want and our students deserve!
While the U.S. Supreme Court 2018 Janus ruling eliminated the requirement for public employees who don’t join the union to pay a fee (or one’s “fair share”) for receiving the benefits of collective bargaining, all employees are entitled to representation related to contractual matters. Those who don’t join the union are not guaranteed representation in situations that aren’t related to the contract.
Only union members have the right to provide input in the contract bargaining process and the right to vote in a contract ratification. Additionally, only members get a say in union business, get to vote on the union bylaws and budgets, and may run for local union office or vote in union elections.
What is the right to representation?
Having a union provides representation to members when there are complaints or potential disciplinary action against an employee. Having the right to representation means we have the legal right to have someone there to help us when needed, and a contract providing basic employment rights.
What about strikes?
While strikes are legal and having a union grants us the right to strike when necessary and appropriate, strikes rarely happen. Since the collective bargaining law was signed in the 1980s, the number of strikes has decreased. In fact, there are only a handful of IEA locals (our of more than 1,000) that strike each year. Most contracts are settled amicably.
If I signed a card, am I a union member?
The authorization card is not a membership form, and signing a card does not mean a person is joining the union. Now that we are certified, everyone has the opportunity to fill out a membership form and join!