Have a problem on the job? Let’s work together to resolve it.

  • What is collective bargaining?
  • What exactly is a union?
  • What is SEIU?
  • What is Local 99?
  • How did our union form?                              
  • Who do I contact if I’m having problems with my boss or a co-worker?
  • Should I file a grievance?
  • What do I do if my supervisor asks to speak with me?
  • I have been scheduled for a disciplinary meeting. What are my rights?
  • How do I join the union?
  • How can I become a Steward?
  • Where can I find my union contract and other agreements?
  • How can I find my salary schedule?
  • Where can I find my job Description?
  • I am being bullied, harassed or discriminated against at work. What can I do
  • I believe that my supervisor is “playing favorites” among employees. What can I do?
  • My work hours, shift or worksite was changed. What can I do?
  • I want to transfer to a different location.  What can I do?
  • There is an error in my paycheck. What should I do?
  • The District deducted an overpayment from my paycheck. What can I do?
  • The summer months are a real struggle for school workers without a paycheck. What are we doing to provide workers with some relief during these difficult months?
  • I pay into the unemployment insurance fund shouldn’t I be able to receive my benefits?
  • I am having a difficult time paying my rent and utilities. Where can I get help?
  • I do not agree with the performance evaluation my supervisor gave me. What can I do?
  • I do not agree with a write-up, conference memo or letter of reprimand I received. What can I do?
  • What are the District’s policies about making arrangements for a vacation?
  • I would like to take a leave of absence. How do I make those arrangements?
  • I was injured on the job. How do I apply for Workers Compensation?
  • My doctor released me to return to work with some restrictions. My administrator is refusing to accept these restrictions. What can I do?
  • I would like to work during the summer. How do I apply for ESY (“Extended School Year”)?
  • I plan to retire soon. What steps do I need to take?
  • How can I contact LAUSD?

 

 

What is collective bargaining?

“Collective bargaining” simply means that a group of union members, our Bargaining Team, sits down with management to negotiate our union contract with the employer—including our pay, benefits, hours, holidays, sick leave, staffing levels, seniority, safety, supplies and other working conditions. Most union contracts provide far more protections than state and federal laws. For example, we are often able to negotiate more generous leave time and much better and safer working conditions. Also, in most worksites without a union contract, workers have “at will employment.” That means they are there “at the will” of their employer and they can be fired at any time, for any reason—or no reason at all. Most of us have much stronger job protections in our contracts. Through collective bargaining, we have been able to set the rules for discipline and termination. In every contract, we can continue to make improvements. Every time we come together to negotiate a contract we build on the gains we’ve already made. Collective bargaining can’t solve all the problems at our workplaces, but it’s the only real way that workers can have any say in our jobs. It’s a basic right and must be defended.  

Read more about the collective bargaining process here.

 

What exactly is a union?

A union is a group of employees united to make positive changes where they work and in their community. Through its strength in numbers, a union provides a way for its members to take unified action to improve their jobs and protect the quality of the services they provide. As one Local 99 member put it, if we walked up to the Beaudry Building all by ourselves and demanded a change, chances are they wouldn’t listen. But united, we win changes. Unions provide job security, protect dignity and give those of us on the front lines a say in our wages, benefits and working conditions. Unions help set industry standards for skill levels, staffing ratios and quality of life for workers. Union-negotiated wages and benefits are generally superior to what non-union workers receive. Unions represent workers in contract negotiations, recruit new members and engage in political action when necessary to improve working conditions. Union members also work to establish laws at the national, state and local level to improve job conditions for all workers, whether they’re in a union or not.  The 8-hour work day, family leave, whistleblower protection laws and overtime pay are examples of positive changes won by unions that affect everyone.
 

What is SEIU?

The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) unites 2 million diverse members in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. SEIU is the largest healthcare union, the largest property services union and the second largest public services union. We believe in and will fight for a just society where all workers are valued and all people are respected, where all families and communities thrive and where we leave a better and more equal world for generations to come.

 

 

What is Local 99?

Local 99/Education Workers United is a local affiliate of SEIU, which represents nearly 45,000 Southern California education workers in public and non-public organizations in early care and education, K-12, and community college levels. SEIU Local 99 members are: Teacher’s Assistants, Playground Workers, Special Education Assistants, Bus Drivers, Gardeners, Custodians, Cafeteria Workers, Maintenance Workers, Family Service Workers, Family Child Care Providers, and others working in schools, colleges, and administrative offices throughout Southern California. Click here to learn more.

 

How did our union form?                              

School custodians working at the Los Angeles Unified School District started meeting together in the mid-1940s. Despite Los Angeles’ reputation as being strongly anti-labor, Local 99 is founded on January 19, 1949. We soon became part of the Building Service Employees International Union (now SEIU). We fought for better wages and working conditions, regular hours, the elimination of split shifts, job safety, seniority, health and retirement benefits, and protecting workers’ hours. Over the years more LAUSD workers formed their unions with Local 99. We have since grown to represent classified employees in other public school districts and community colleges. Early care and education workers have also formed their union with Local 99. Most recently, family child care providers formed their union with us.

 

Who do I contact if I’m having problems with my boss or a co-worker?

Our Union Stewards are the first people we can seek out if we have issues at work. Stewards are our co-workers who serve as union representatives at our worksites.  To find the Steward at your worksite click here. You may also contact your SEIU Local 99 Organizer by submitting an Online Local 99 Resource Form or by calling the Members Resource Center at 213-637-0296.  

 

Should I file a grievance?

A grievance is a formal complaint we file to resolve disputes with our employer and enforce the terms of our labor union contract. If you think your supervisor has violated our contract, you should talk to your Steward  as soon as possible or complete an Online Local 99 Resource Form. We will help you figure out if the contract has been violated. Usually, the first step is for you or your Steward to speak informally with your supervisor and point out the terms of our contract. This can feel like a bold step, but it’s important to remember that our contract isn’t worth much if we don’t enforce its terms.

An example of a contract violation leading to a union grievance might be a supervisor who always gives overtime assignments to a favorite staff member even though the contract states that overtime assignments must first be offered to members with the greatest seniority. Sometimes a group of employees may file a grievance together.

Remember that not all workplace complaints call for filing grievances; only violations of our labor union contract are grievable. There are many ways to use our union strength to approach other problems.

 

What do I do if my supervisor asks to speak with me?

One of the most powerful rights we have as union members is the right to have a union representative with us when our supervisor wants to speak with us and the conversation may lead to the discipline. These are called our “Weingarten Rights.”

If you are called into a meeting, follow these steps:

  1. Ask to know the subject of the meeting. Ask right away if your supervisor wants to talk about issues with your performance. If you suspect that the discussion could lead to discipline and/or termination, you must immediately ask for union representation. Read this statement to your supervisor:

    “If this discussion could in any way lead to my being disciplined or terminated, or affect my personal working conditions, I request that my union organizer, officer, or steward be present at the meeting. Without representation, I choose not to answer any question. This is my right under a U.S. Supreme Court decision called Weingarten.

  1. Management typically will not ask if you want to have a Union Organizer present in the meeting. It’s our responsibility as union members to enforce this right. If management refuses to allow you representation, do not refuse to meet. Stay in the room, but:
    1. Do repeat your request for a Union representative.
    2. Don’t refuse to meet with management; however, you do not have to answer any questions unless a Union representative is present.
    3. Don’t make a statement, either written or verbal.
    4. Do take notes of what was said during the meeting.
    5. Do call your Steward immediately after the meeting. If they are not available, contact Local 99’s Member Resource Center using our Online Resource Form or call (213) 637-0296

 

I have been scheduled for a disciplinary meeting. What are my rights?

You have the right to have a Union representative join you at these disciplinary meetings. Contact your Steward . If you do not have a Steward or cannot contact your Union representative, submit an Online Local 99 Resource Form or call (213) 637-0296

 

How do I join the union?

Click here to fill out a membership application and join today. There really is no other way to get things done at our worksites, in our communities and in our country than to come together with a united voice. By standing together, we have a powerful, unified voice to advocate for fair treatment on the job and changes that benefit employees and students. As we get ready to negotiate our next contract, it’s more important than ever to stand UNION STRONG! Our employer knows exactly how many of us are members. When the District knows we are united, we accomplish a lot! Let’s keep moving forward!

Once you complete the membership application, click here to fill out the pledge to stand strong with our union to protect what we’ve won…and win more!

 

How can I become a Steward?

If you are interested in becoming a Steward, please be sure you are an SEIU Local 99 member in “good standing”—in other words, you are current in your membership dues and you have signed a membership card (you are not simply an “Agency Fee” payer). Stewards are selected by their co-workers and receive comprehensive training through Local 99’s education and training program. Click here to learn more about becoming a steward.

 

Where can I find my union contract and other agreements?

Our labor union contract—also called a collective bargaining agreement —is a legally-binding document that guarantees the terms of our employment, including our pay, benefits, hours, holidays, sick leave, staffing levels, seniority and working conditions. It means our employers can’t change the rules or the terms of our employment. Our contracts are established through meaningful negotiations between Local 99 Bargaining Teams (made up of the co-workers we choose to represent us) and our employers. Contracts are approved or ratified through a vote of our members. And they’re defended by the membership—our contract is only strong if we enforce it. If you experience an issue that violates our contract, it’s likely that others are experiencing it, too. It’s important to contact your Steward or Union Organizer as soon as you notice a contract violation. This way, we ensure that the protections in our contract truly protect us and all other employees in our bargaining unit.

 

Unit B

Includes…
Campus Aide, Early Education Center Aide, Education Aide, Counselor Aide, Health Care Assistant, Interpreter Aide, Sign Language Interpreter, Special Education Assistant, Special Needs Assistant and other Instructional Aides

Unit C

Includes…
Air Filter Technician, Automotive Body Mechanic, Automotive Parts Purchaser, Building Engineer, Building & Grounds Worker, Transportation Routing Assistant, Food Service Worker, Cafeteria Worker, Computer Technologist, Fleets Parts Storekeeper, Food Production Worker, Gardener, Bus Driver, Truck Driver, IT Field Services Technician, School Facilities Attendant, Stock Clerk, and others working in Operations / Support Services

Unit F

Unit G

Includes…
School Supervision Aide, Playground Supervisor, Playground Worker, Part-time Playground Helper, Community Representative

 

How can I find my salary schedule?

Go to LAUSD’s Classified Salary Schedule http://achieve.lausd.net/page/7275

 

Where can I find my job Description?

Go to LAUSD’s Class Description Index http://achieve.lausd.net/page/7274

 

I am being bullied, harassed or discriminated against at work. What can I do?

No one should tolerate this kind of treatment on the job, whether we’re in a union or not. But sometimes, for workers without a union, it can be scary to stand up against aggression from a supervisor or co-worker. But because we have the strength of our union behind us, we can courageously stand up for fair and respectful treatment. Union members have a special responsibility to put an end to any behavior that creates a hostile work environment. The District prohibits retaliation against anyone who files a complaint or anyone who participates in a complaint investigation.

Here are the steps to take first:

  1. Submit a Discrimination/Harassment/Retaliation Complaint Form to your immediate supervisor or your supervisor’s supervisor.
  2. Bring all of your union vision when answering the section of the form asking “What remedy are you seeking to resolve your complaint?” Think of your other co-worker, too. What would improve the work environment for everyone and what would allow you to deliver excellent student services? Include these ideas in your response. Attach extra pages if necessary to answer this portion thoroughly.
  3. Make a copy for yourself, including copies of any supporting documents.

If the issue is not resolved as a result of taking these actions, then immediately call your Steward  and be prepared to supply copies of your completed Complaint Form and all of your supporting documents. If you do not have a worksite Steward or cannot reach your Union Organizer, submit an Online Local 99 Resource Form.

Learn more about what you can do to stop discrimination on the job by visiting the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission website.

 

I believe that my supervisor is “playing favorites” among employees. What can I do?

Sometimes we see our co-workers consistently getting overtime or additional hours. Or perhaps we feel that we get all the tough assignments while our supervisor’s “favorites” never do. This kind of behavior doesn’t necessarily fall under “discrimination” and it might not technically violate our contract, but that doesn’t mean we can’t work to fix it.

Contact your Steward  and discuss the issue with them. If you do not have a worksite Steward or cannot reach your Union Organizer, submit an Online Local 99 Resource Form.

 

My work hours, shift or worksite was changed. What can I do?

The District has the right to change our hours, shift or worksite based on their organizational needs. However, if you feel this change was punitive, a form of harassment or retaliation for union involvement, contact your Steward  and discuss the issue with them. If you do not have a worksite Steward or cannot reach your Union Organizer, submit an Online Local 99 Resource Form.

 

I want to transfer to a different location.  What can I do?

You must complete a “Request for Transfer (Change of Work Location)” Form. Submit the form to your current administrator. Per our contracts, the administrator must either approve it or place it on a “deferred approval.” For members in Unit B, there is no time limit for the deferred approval. For members in Unit C, the approval can only be deferred for 6 months. If you have questions, submit an Online Local 99 Resource Form.

 

There is an error in my paycheck. What should I do?

If you feel like you have been underpaid, immediately discuss the underpayment with your supervisor. If that conversation does not resolve the issue, then it’s time to request an investigation. Here are the steps to take with the District to correct underpayment and other paycheck errors:

  1. Ask your timekeeper if your work hours have been certified by your administrator. If not, follow up with your administrator.
  2. If you have confirmed that your hours were properly certified and you still have not been paid, contact LAUSD’s Payroll Support Services at (231) 241-2570 or payrollsupport@lausd.net.
  3. Open a ticket with the Employee Service Center. The district will investigate the payroll error and follow up with you.
  4. Remember to document who you spoke with at the Employee Service Center and your ticket number.

If after the investigation has concluded you feel there is still a violation of our contract, contact SEIU Local 99’s Member Resource Center by completing the Online Local 99 Resource Form.  Your check stubs and timecard will be needed as proof, so be sure to gather these items.

 

The District deducted an overpayment from my paycheck. What can I do?

Our SEIU Local 99 contracts establish limits to how the District can remedy an overpayment. For details, please review the contract that covers your job classification:

  • Unit B, please see Article XIII , 11.3 Payroll Errors— Limitations upon Recovery of our contract
  • Unit C, please see Article XIV, 7.2 Payroll Errors— Limitations upon Recovery of our contract
  • Unit F, please see Article XIV, 4.2 Payroll Errors— Limitations upon Recovery of our contract
  • Unit G, please see Article XI, 2.1 Payroll Errors— Limitations upon Recovery of our contract

If you believe our contract has been violated in the way the District remedied overpayment, please immediately notify LAUSD’s Payroll Support Services at (231) 241-2570 or payrollsupport@lausd.net. If you still have questions, please complete an Online Local 99 Resource Form.               

 

The summer months are a real struggle for school workers without a paycheck. What are we doing to provide workers with some relief during these difficult months?

The need for economic relief during the summer break period is great and SEIU Local 99 members are addressing this issue in several different ways.  We know the real problem is lack of work in the summer. That is why we are working with school districts and community allies to identify ways to expand summer school and other programs that support students and increase jobs. We also continue to look for legislative solutions that can provide school workers with a safety net during the summer break when work is not available. In the past few years, we have introduced bills in Sacramento that would allow unemployed school workers to receive benefits during the summer months. Unfortunately, these bills have not moved out of the Assembly Appropriations Committee, which assesses the cost of the bill. But Local 99 members are not giving up. We are currently working with SEIU California’s legislative branch to seek new ways to move this legislation forward. And while we work together on these long-term solutions, we are also working with different agencies and organizations to bring together resources and assistance for members in need of help with food, transportation, temporary summer work, and other relief. You can find some resources here.

 

I pay into the unemployment insurance fund shouldn’t I be able to receive my benefits?

 Summer Unemployment Insurance Benefits are provided by the State of California and while school districts pay into a voluntary fund for unemployment, they are not actually the ones who decide on the disbursement of funds or eligibility for unemployment benefits. This is why our fight to change the unemployment insurance law is with the state. At the same time, the fight for increased summer school is with the District. For many SEIU Local 99 members who are hourly employees, spreading pay over a 12 month period is not a feasible option. And most of us depend on our full paycheck every pay period.

 

I am having a difficult time paying my rent and utilities. Where can I get help?

SEIU Local 99 works in partnership with the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor’s Community Services Program, which assists union members in meeting basic needs during difficult financial times. Services such as emergency food, shelter, utilities and rent assistance are available to those who meet eligibility requirements. To learn more, visit our website and complete an Online Local 99 Resource Form.

 

I do not agree with the performance evaluation my supervisor gave me. What can I do?

For those of us in Units B, C and F, our SEIU Local 99 contracts establish a process for challenging our performance evaluations. For details, please review the contract that covers your job classification:

  • Unit B, please see Article X , 3.0 Evaluation Procedures of our contract
  • Unit C, please see Article X , 3.0 Evaluation Procedures of our contract
  • Unit F, please see Article XI, 1.3 Evaluation and Discipline of our contract

If you still have questions, please complete an Online Local 99 Resource Form.

                                                                                                                                                                              

I do not agree with a write-up, conference memo or letter of reprimand I received. What can I do?

For those of us in Units B, C and F, our SEIU Local 99 contracts also establish procedures on discipline. For details, please review the contract that covers your job classification:

  • Unit B, please see Article X , 5.2c Evaluation Procedures of our contract
  • Unit C, please see Article X , 5.2c Evaluation Procedures of our contract
  • Unit F, please see Article XI, 2.4c Evaluation and Discipline of our contract

If you still have questions, please complete an Online Local 99 Resource Form.

 

What are the District’s policies about making arrangements for a vacation?

For those of us in Units B, C and F, our SEIU Local 99 contracts also establish procedures on vacation requests. For details, please review the contract that covers your job classification:

  • Unit B, please see Article XVI of our contract
  • Unit C, please see Article XVII of our contract
  • Unit F, please see Article XIII, 17.0 Paid Non-work days of our contract

If you still have questions, please complete an Online Local 99 Resource Form.              

 

I would like to take a leave of absence. How do I make those arrangements?

For those of us in Units B, C and F, our SEIU Local 99 contracts allow for us to arrange for leaves of absence for a variety of reasons. Learn more here:

  • Unit B, please see Article XII of our contract
  • Unit C, please see Article XIII of our contract
  • Unit F, please see Article XIII of our contract

To submit your live request, complete and submit this form to the Workforce Management, Classified Employment Services Branch as instructed on the form.

If you have questions or any difficulty in getting your leave approved, please complete an Online Local 99 Resource Form.

 

I was injured on the job. How do I apply for Workers Compensation?

If we sustain a work related injury/illness, without regard to fault, we are covered by state mandated Workers’ Compensation program. This means that we are eligible for medical attention and pay during our illness or injury.

If you would like to be seen by your own doctor in the event of a work-related injury, you must have already completed and submitted a Predesignation form to be kept in your personnel file at your worksite. SEIU Local 99 recommends turning in this form now, so that it is already on file if you ever need it.

Please carefully review the District’s Workers Compensation web page for more details. If you have questions or any difficulty in getting your Workers Compensation benefits, please contact LAUSD’s Risk Management Insurance Division at (213) 241-3139.

 

My doctor released me to return to work with some restrictions. My administrator is refusing to accept these restrictions. What can I do?

First personally speak with your administrator to see if s/he is willing to accommodate you. If the issue is not resolved after this conversation, contact LAUSD’s Reasonable Accommodations office. Select the appropriate specialist listed here or email the department at disabilitymanagement@lausd.net.

 

I would like to work during the summer. How do I apply for ESY (“Extended School Year”)?

For those of us in Unit B, our SEIU Local 99 contract allows for us to apply for Summer Session. Learn more here:

  • Unit B, please see Article XI, 7.0 Transfer Procedures and Certain Staffing Procedures of our contract

 The District establishes the application deadlines every year. Applications are only accepted online—click here. 

If you have questions or feel that our contract was not honored when ESY work was assigned, please complete an Online Local 99 Resource Form.

 

I plan to retire soon. What steps do I need to take?

If you work 4 hours or more per day, your pension will be through the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS). Visit the PERS website at www.calpers.ca.gov or call (888) CalPERS (888-225-7377).

If you work fewer than 4 hours per day, your pension will be through the Public Agency Retirement Services (PARS). Visit the PARS website at www.pars.org/agency-search  or call (800) 540-6369.

If you have worked in both types of positions, you may have pensions through both PARS and PERS.

**Contact these agencies at least six months prior to your desired retirement date.**

For further questions about your retirement, please contact LAUSD’s Benefits Administration at (213) 241-4262.                                                                                                                                                    

 

How can I contact LAUSD?

  • Main Directory: 213-241-1000
  • Classified Assignments: 213-241-6300
  • Employee Service Center/ Payroll : 213-241-6670
  • Health Benefits: 213-241-4262
  • Reasonable Accommodations: 213-241-6864
  • Retirement Unit: 213-241-3197
  • Cal PERS (Benefited Workers): 888-225-7377
  • Cal PARS (Non-Benefited workers): 800-540-6369

 

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