WHAT DOES ESPANOLA NEA DO? PLENTY!

I am writing this while feeling pretty good about the subject title - So far, since August we have helped at least 4 employees keep their jobs, helped several employees with scheduling issues and gotten a couple of employees pay for things they should be being paid for but were not. The aggregate of this extra pay is quite substantial - in the thousands - for those employees. We have also assisted in countless smaller issues - helping our members develop better relationships with their immediate supervisors. Here is how a press release - sanitized to protect all involved - but seriously, a true story - about one of our more recent efforts.
UNION HELPS MEMBER WIN BACK PAY FOR LOST PREP:
The Espaňola-NEA helped a teacher-member recently win back their prep period as well as a large financial payment to compensate for prep periods already worked. The victory came at Level II of the process after the member developed the case, working closely with the Espaňola-NEA Employee Rights advocates. While the grievance moved forward, administrators repeatedly claimed nothing could be done to change the class schedules in order to provide the required preparation period, but they then yielded at the last minute.
ON THE NEGOTIATIONS FRONT:
Negotiations for our Certified contract has finally reached impasse. Ironically, this represents progress since it means a federal mediator will help us reach agreement on the only two outstanding issues on which we have not yet reached agreement: Stipends and Association Rights. Without good Association Rights, such as those enjoyed in other districts, we simply can’t represent you well.
Last night, we continued negotiations – this time on our "ESP" contract, and reached agreement on more than a dozen issues!
We will be having our next General Membership and RA meeting at Big Dawg's Tuesday Feb 10 at 4.15 - this will be followed by a presentation by Snookie on members benefits, If you are feeling the pinch of the current world (or local) financial situation you should come hear her presentation - there are lots of ways being a member can save you some money. So come on out, visit with some friends, have a snack and beverage, get the latest news and updates on what is happening with Espanola-NEA and learn how to save some money - we look forward to seeing you.
One other item of note - it is time to start recruiting more members - ONLY members can vote on ratification of our agreement and that election will be coming soon. We have had a lot of success with employee rights, but to be honest, the more members we have the stronger we are, the more success we have - it is a linear equation. Please talk to your friends and colleagues; membership is absolutely the key to our success.
Thank you, I hope to see you Tuesday the 10th.
Brian EveryPresident, Espaňola-NEA