Having a union provides rights and protections under the law (the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Act). The IELRA dramatically limits the employer’s rights to make decisions unilaterally. The employer is required to bargain in good faith and in a timely manner over all decisions regarding wages, hours, benefits, and working conditions with our democratically elected union representatives.

This also means that while we are in the process of bargaining to include OTE employees in the contract, the district can’t make any changes to your pay, your hours or your working conditions without the union’s agreement.

And, you are entitled to union representation in any meeting with the employer (including your supervisor) that could lead to discipline.

Yes! We are fully protected in the exercise of our rights to organize and work together as a union. Acts of harassment, coercion and intimidation are violations of state and federal law, constituting an unfair labor practice. IEA will provide us with the legal services necessary to ensure that the law is followed.

Dues help provide union members with a number of benefits, including:

• Full legal services for job-related problems
• $1,000,000 liability insurance protection when carrying our your job
• Professional assistance with contract negotiations and with contract enforcement, including grievances & arbitrations
• Access to conferences, training programs, and professional development
• Access to NEA & IEA Member Benefits (save money on auto and home insurance, investments, appliances, vehicles, travel and more)
• Individual assistance and advice when advocacy, representation and/or support are needed
• Attorney referral program including an hour of free consultation for non job-related business

More than anything, your dues are an investment in your work and in your colleagues — providing you with the strongest voice possible.

Membership is always voluntary. But it’s our membership that gives us the power to create the kind of work environment we want and deserve!

While the U.S. Supreme Court 2018 Janus ruling eliminated the requirement for public employees who don’t join the union to pay a fee (or one’s “fair share”) for receiving the benefits of collective bargaining, all employees are entitled to representation related to contractual matters. Those who don’t join the union are not guaranteed representation in situations that aren’t related to the contract. 

Only union members have the right to provide input in the contract bargaining process and the right to vote in a contract ratification. Additionally, only members get a say in union business, get to vote on the union bylaws and budgets, and may run for local union office or vote in union elections.

Having a union provides representation to members when there are complaints or potential disciplinary action against an employee. Having the right to representation means we have the legal right to have someone there to help us when needed, and a contract providing basic employment rights.

While strikes are legal and having a union grants us the right to strike when necessary and appropriate, strikes rarely happen. Since the collective bargaining law was signed in the 1980s, the number of strikes has decreased. In fact, there are only a handful of IEA locals (our of more than 1,000) that strike each year. Most contracts are settled amicably.

The authorization card signed while we were organizing to become part of the union is not a membership form, and signing a card does not mean a person is joining the union. Now that we are certified, everyone has the opportunity to fill out a membership form and join! More information about joining will be available soon!