Consequences and Chaos

             In their zeal to destroy public sector unions in Michigan, the Republican-led legislature and Governor Snyder effectively gutted labor agreements across the state.  By eliminating seniority rights as a factor in recall and placement, and designating a host of subjects “prohibited”, we’ve essentially lost our ability to prevent or address capricious decision making by administrators.  That does not mean we have lost federal protections guaranteed by labor law and the Constitution.  We may not be able to grieve some incidents, but there are other legal and non-legal avenues open to us in dealing with gross violations of our rights.   We will continue to demand fair and humane treatment as citizens of the United States.

            With all due respect to the school board and Mr. Livezey, the vacuum the state has created for school employees now must be addressed by board policies and administrative guidelines for policies once governed by labor contracts.  Some of those policies and guidelines have been written, some have not, but it is not the board or the superintendent’s responsibility to keep us, as employees, apprised of those policy changes. 

            In nearly every aspect of our working lives, we are in uncharted territory.  For that reason, it is imperative that we familiarize ourselves with board policies and administrative guidelines that pertain to us specifically, and periodically review those documents for changes.  A lack of awareness will not be an adequate defense if you are disciplined as the result of a policy change.  (Please remember that we have not lost our right to representation, and that if you are asked to meet with an administrator on an issue that might result in disciplinary action, the administrator is compelled to comply under Federal law.)

            Your OEA leadership is determined to keep you as informed as possible in regard to these issues, but you need to understand that we are teachers, too, and we’re every bit as busy as you are.  Board policies and administrative guidelines are available for your review on the district webpage.  In particular, please familiarize yourselves with policy number 3000, Professional Staff, and especially 3213, Student Supervision and Welfare.  You may view that here:  http://www.neola.com/oakridge-mi/.