Special Education Paraprofessionals at LAUSD packed our union halls in the Valley and L.A. last week to review the District’s new Special Ed Attendance Policy and to plan our next steps to address our concerns with the District. We’re outraged and ready to take action if the District continues to unilaterally implement a new attendance policy that targets Special Ed employees. The District introduced the new policy at the start of the school year without first discussing it with Special Ed Paraprofessionals. Our Union responded by demanding that the District negotiate with us. Last week, members elected a Negotiations Team that will work with our Labor Management Committee to address this issue. Our first meeting with the District is set for Wednesday, September 2. For immediate updates, “Like” our SEIU Local 99 Facebook Page or check back on our website.
While we are in negotiations, if you are asked to sign the new policy at your worksite, be sure you are only signing an “acknowledgement” that you have received the attendance policy. An acknowledgement of receipt does not mean you are accepting the policy, simply that you have received the information. When you sign, you can also include a comment that states you are not agreeing to the policy.
Let’s support our Team so we can continue to support our students in a fair and just working environment. Stand strong for our rights!
Special Education Labor Management Committee Members:
Bootsie Brenner: Special Education Assistant, Van Nuys High School
Darrio Connor: Health Care Assistant, Madison Middle School
Jim Lira: Health Care Assistant, Venice High School
Marjorie McDonald: Health Care Assistant, Harbor City Elementary
Barbara Torres: SEIU 99 President, Special Education Assistant, Roosevelt High School
Alternates:
Zsa Zsa Kovats: Health Care Assistant, Audubon Middle School
Elizabeth Parker: Special Education Trainee, Gulf Elementary
Negotiations Team members:
Bart Weil, Special Education Trainee, White Middle School
Linda Ginn, Special Education Assistant, Marshall High School
Isabel Miranda, Special Education Asssitant, Pinewood Early Education Center
Ligia Torres, Special Education Assistant, Valerio Elementary School
What can you do to support our Team? We’ve got strength in numbers! The more of us who are official members, the more strength we have as we go into negotiations with LAUSD to resolve this issue. If you’re an Agency Fee Payer, sign-up to be an active member. Click Here.
 “We work hard. I would like to see fairness. I’m tired of the District taking advantage of us. The fact that they are singling-out (Special Ed Paraprofessionals) with this policy is wrong.” Bart Weil, Special Education Trainee, White Middle School |
 “We all need to come to union meetings and get involved. This is how we see results.” Isabel Miranda, Special Education Assistant, Pinewood Early Ed Center |
 “It’s important that the District respects us and adheres to our contract. All of us are hard working. We care for our students and want to do what’s best for them.” Linda Ginn, Special Education Assistant, Marshall High School |
 “It’s important to know our rights and responsibilities and not just take them from the District. With our union we gain the knowledge that we need to know our rights. And together, we have a strong voice to ask that our employer make changes.” Ligia Torres, Special Education Assistant, Valerio Elementary School |
