| What Union do I belong to?
|
| Welcome! You are now a member of the following organizations that represent your employment related interests with your employer and with the State and Federal governments: Lakewood UniServ, Wisconsin Education Association Council (WEAC) and the National Education Association (NEA). The NEA is the largest union in America representing 2.7 million members from the education community in all 50 states. To find out more about NEA visit NEA.org. The WEAC is affiliated with NEA and represents 96,000 members in Wisconsin. To find out more about WEAC, visit WEAC.org. The Lakewood UniServ is one of 34 regional servicing units affiliated with WEAC and represents 2,750 members and works with local chapters or unions win respect, better pay and benefits, and improved working conditions for its members. To find more about your UniServ visit www.weac.org/LUC.
|
| What is a Union? |
| A Union is a group of individuals who join together to form an organization that represents them regarding work and employment issues. Your local Union is as strong as you make it. There are many ways to have a voice in your Union, beyond voting for officers and voting on contracts (see the fact sheet on "How to Participate").
|
| What does the UniServ do for me? |
| The Lakewood UniServ together with your local Union bargaining committee negotiates contracts, represents you on grievances and during disciplinary proceedings, works with you on legislative and political actions to advocate for the issues that affect you and your family, provides opportunities for education, informs our members about their union and workplace rights, offers scholarships for members and their families, and much more. |
| Why is a contract so important? |
| There are several reasons: It is a legal agreement between you and your employer. You have a voice in deciding your demands before contract negotiations begin. A contract protects workers-ds before contract negotiations even begin. without one you have little power in the workplace. It requires a grievance system for resolving problems in the workplace.
|
| What is in a contract? |
| A contract spells out agreements between you and your employer including (but not limited to):
- Wages
- Benefits
- Holidays/sick days/personal time
- Your retirement benefits
- Any scheduling agreements
|
| Who decides to accept or reject a contract? |
| All union members vote on whether or not to accept a contract offer.
|
| How do I get a copy of my contract? |
| Contracts are distributed normally within about two months after ratification and at new employee orientation meetings. If you do not have a contract, contact your BR for assistance. A copy of your contract is also posted as a searchable document on the Lakewood Website at www.weac.org/luc |
| Why do we need a Union?
|
| Labor unions have been an important part of this country's history. Many teachers and education employees have sacrificed for the rights we now enjoy. These early pioneers, perhaps one of your parents or grandparents, knew that only within the Union could they achieve on-the-job dignity and be better assured of decent wages, health benefits, reasonable working conditions, and job security-all foundations of Union representation. Employer’s are organized. They form organizations such as the Wisconsin Association of School Boards, Local Chamber’s of Commerce and state business and manufacturers’ associations. These organizations advance employer interests with the state legislature, in the courts and at the bargaining table. The only way employees can provide a check and balance to this power is to organize into unions. Our teachers union also advances your interests within the state legislature, state government departments (i.e. the Department of Public Instruction, State OSHA, Department of Workforce Development, etc.) Having a voice to represent our interests is just good common sense. |
