APPLECORE, August, 2003

Welcome back!! The beginning of the school year is hectic for all of us and new employees may feel their tasks will never be completed, however the importance of being familiar with your union and its functions must be stressed.

10 POINTS OF INFORMATION MEMBERS SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THE LMEA

1. Know who your building reps are. Building reps are the eyes and the ears of the LMEA. You should contact your rep if you have concerns about issues relating to working conditions.

2. Know who we represent – The LMEA represents the professional staff (teachers, counselors) and support staff (secretaries, custodians, instructional assistants, transportation personnel, cafeteria staff, tech. Aides). We are a “merged” association. This gives the LMEA its strength, as we are all united under one contract.

3. You have a written contract that outlines your rights and responsibilities of the working conditions of your employment. This includes length of day, salary schedule, and other benefits such as personal days, sabbatical leave and health care benefits. It’s important to KNOW YOUR CONTRACT! Make sure you are being paid the correct amount based on your step and educational qualifications. The current contract expires in June 2005.

4. The LMEA officers for 2003-04 year are:

Dom Pendino (LMHS) – President
Chris SantaMaria (HHS) – 1st Vice President
Victor Fedeli (LMHS) – Vice President Support
Arlene Flicker (CES) – Vice President Professional
Lisa McDevitt (GES) – Secretary Support
Michael Stettner (LMHS) – Secretary Professional
Darlene Mandarino (LMHS) – Treasurer

5. The LMEA routinely communicates to our members via multiple channels

A. Minutes from the monthly Executive Council meetings.
B. Periodic editions of the “Applewrap” – a newsletter of current issues/events pertaining to the LMEA.
C. Our own website – www.lmeaonline.org - which contains archived minutes, upcoming events, policies and practices, among other items.
D. Periodic editions of “PSEA Advisory” – a document from PSEA that alerts you of important issues affecting members across Pennsylvania.

6. The LMEA officers conduct monthly unit meetings. Each month our officers go to a different school to address concerns specific to that school/unit. This is an opportunity to personally meet the officers and present your concerns (no matter how seemingly small they are) and get answers to questions you have. These meetings are held immediately after school and are open to all members. Of course, you may contact your building rep at any time if you have questions.

7. A grievance can be filed based upon a violation of the contract by the administration. We all have “complaints”, however a grievance is possible when the district violates hours of employment, salary and/or working conditions of employment specified in our contract.

8. You have the right to bring a union representative with you to a meeting with your principal or any administrator if you think the meeting may be disciplinary in nature. You have a right to request representation at these disciplinary meetings. YOU ARE NOT ALONE!

9. Another benefit of LMEA membership is the liability coverage for any activity associated with your employment.

10. Your dues money can be tax deductible at the federal and state levels. Also, your LMEA dues have not been raised in several years and are taken out of your paycheck. This dues deduction entitles you to membership in the LMEA (our local association), PSEA (the state association), and the NEA (the national association).

Again, welcome back!! We hope your summer was relaxing and that you’re returning with renewed energy for another successful year!