Building Reps

GAEA Bylaws Link

GAEA Constitution Link

GAEA Goals Link

10 Minute Meeting Slides are shared with the Building Representative every month, following Govern Council.  You can expect to see these slides at your building meeting.

Building Representation Roster

Building reps are the first line of contact for members. Many times issues can be resolved at the building level and do not need to reach the Executive Board or President. A grievance is a violation of contract language not a gripe, not a complaint, not a bad observation write up, and not a valid disciplinary memo. There are procedures that must be followed, but GAEA cannot stop people from getting written up. 

Building Reps are the first person that a member should be contacting in a building if they have been invited to a meeting by administration (building level or district level or human resources) and asked to bring a union representative.  You may also attend even if the DO has not told the employee to bring a representative.

So you’ve been asked by a member to go to a meeting with them with administration, what do you do???

1. Don’t panic!

2. Ask the member if they have any idea what this might be about. Many times they do, but sometimes they have no idea, either way is fine.

3. Go to the meeting and take lots of notes. You can use abbreviations if necessary as long as you understand them and can explain them to someone later if necessary. You can ask the admin to repeat something or ask a clarifying question. Don’t be afraid. 

4. Be prepared for some tears, they often happen when a member is upset and being disciplined. You may also see anger or frustration. Be the neutral party and listen and take notes. 

5. If you think there is an issue that the Executive Board or President needs to know about - reach out immediately. If you are unsure, reach out and we can make that determination. The GAEA cannot make things disappear, so please don’t promise the members anything. 

6. Keep everything CONFIDENTIAL! People in the building will ask, but it is not your place to talk to anyone except an Executive Board member or Executive Officer.

7. Know the CBA and your Teacher Contract! The most frequent areas of conflict are around observations, days off, and conduct. As long as the CBA is followed there is no grievance.