At the start of the 2015-16 school year, LAUSD issued an unfair attendance policy that targeted Special Ed Paraprofessionals. And to make matters worse, the District never discussed it with our Union. But that’s where the power of union strength came in. Special Ed Paraprofessionals came together to discuss our key concerns and Local 99 union members elected a negotiations team. Together with our member-led Special Ed Labor Management Committee, we demanded that the District negotiate with us. It took several months but Special Ed Paraprofessionals stuck together and we won!
On January 8, 2016, the District agreed to our demands and we reached agreement on a policy that is much fairer, completely eliminates some of the most punitive language and actually respects our contract. Here are some highlights:
- Supervisors or administrators – not Special Ed Paraprofessionals – are responsible for giving us our work schedules.
- If we have an emergency, we are not required to notify our administrator in advance. We do need to follow the procedures set in our contract.
- Paraprofessionals are to sign-in at the beginning of the shift and proceed immediately to our work area. We no longer have to be in two places at the same time.
- Paraprofessionals must notify an administrator or the person directing our work if our assigned meal or rest periods need to be adjusted due to work duties – and we don’t have to do this in advance.
- The District must follow the process in our contract to address any problems with excessive absenteeism. The District cannot set-up its own counseling or disciplinary procedures.
- Employees with good attendance will be commended.
You can read the full language of the revised policy here.
At a time when working people are facing attacks on their right to stand united to improve their jobs, this victory proves the power of being union strong. Congratulations to all members who spoke up and took action.
