Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1476161
W E L C O M E T O the Legal Beat! In this col- umn, which will be a regular feature of the magazine, CTA attorneys will cover legal " hot topics," your legal rights, CTA and local union (aka "chapter") legal battles, and much more. We kick off this column with a brief overview of the terrific bene- fits provided to CTA members and local union affiliates under CTA's Group Legal Services (GLS) Program. What is the GLS program? Complicated and numerous laws govern all aspects of public education in Cal- ifornia. The California Education and Government Codes provide a wide variety of rights to public school employees and their unions. Collective bargaining laws govern labor relations between unions and employers. Collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) provide important contractual rights to chapters and their unit m emb ers. C onstitutional ri g hts apply. And so on. Legal representation can be expensive, and so, through the GL S ben efits program , CTA provides top-notch attorneys to represent chapters and members in enforcing and defending these employment-related rights. CTA's Legal Department administers the GLS program. CTA staff attorneys work directly with CTA Primary Contact Staff (PCS) and represent chapters in unfair practice charges and other mat- ters filed with the Public Employment Relations Board; court cases involving statutory employment rights; complex arbitrations that seek enforcement of CBAs; and legal advice matters regarding chapters' advocacy, organizing, and rep- resentational activities. GLS law firm attorneys are private practice attorneys who generally rep- r e s e n t i n d i v i d u a l C TA m e m b e r s i n employment disputes. CTA carefully vets these law firms, which specialize in edu- cation law and have relevant expertise in criminal and civil employment matters. Many of the law firms represent labor unions, and all the firms are strong advo- cates of labor. In addition, the CTA Legal Department works closely with approved GLS firms, including by hosting an annual lawyers conference at which attorneys discuss emerging legal issues and share best practices. e GLS program is associated with the National Education Association's Unified Legal Services Program, which provides financial assistance to state affiliates that offer legal services in accordance with NEA program rules. What matters are covered? The GLS program ensures that active CTA members can count on substantial legal assistance when their employment throw s th em legal cur ve ball s. Ever y active member is entitled to a union-paid legal referral for statutory employment matters such as: • Credential defense proceedings • Employment-related criminal charges • Permanent educator dismissals • Reductions-In-Force (RIFs) • Unlawful discrimination • Education Code disputes regarding classification, discipline, salary uni- formity, leaves, child abuse reporting, probationar y non-reelection , and many other issues CTA funding for covered matters is subject to certain limits, depending on the nature of the matter. For example, probationary employees are entitled to three hours of free legal representation for a non-reelection. A GLS attorney may, on the member's behalf, request additional funding from CTA for an employment-re- lated civil dispute when necessary. Individual GLS benefits are for employ- ment-related legal disputes that arise outside of the CBA or labor relations laws. Local chapters defend members in CBA and other representational matters. As mentioned, CTA chapters receive legal advice and representation from highly experienced CTA staff attorneys for their legal disputes with employers. How does a member access legal representation? An active member must contact their PCS (staff representative) if they believe they are experiencing an employment-related legal dispute. e staff representative will help determine whether a legal dispute exists and whether attorney services are Your Legal Benefits New column on members' legal rights and benefits First up: CTA's Group Legal Services (GLS) Program By Laura Juran 34 cta.org Advocacy Legal Beat