Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1476161
appropriate and covered by the GLS program. The staff representative may determine, for example, that the matter is covered by the CBA – not by a stat- ute or other legal right outside the CBA — and thus warrants filing a grievance rather than issuing a GLS referral. If the staff representative determines that the member is eligible for GLS and has a GLS-covered legal issue, then the staff representative will give the mem- ber relevant information, appropriate GLS forms, and a formal referral to an approved GLS law firm. For Redu ction-In-Forc e pro c e ed - ings brought under Education Code se ction s 44949/44955 or 87743, th e st a f f re p re s e n t a t iv e w i l l n o t i f y t h e CTA Legal Department of a district's planned layof f on behalf of all mem- bers w ho might receive RIF notices. T h e L e g a l D e p a r t m e n t w i l l t h e n assign a RIF representative to handle the RIF for all affected members who request representation. Are there conditions on GLS benefits? Yes. Like most insurance benefits, GLS benefits are subject to important and consistently enforced conditions. For example, GLS is a members-only bene- fit. To qualify for coverage, an individual must have been a union member at the time the underlying incident occurred; at the time the need for legal services arose (usually when the request for legal services was made or should have been made); and throughout the time that GLS services are provided. A few narrow exclusions also apply. For example, GLS coverage is not avail- able for any matter involving a dispute w ith an oth er m emb er (unl e ss su ch legal assistance is solely for a member's dispute with the employer). The GLS program does not pay for legal represen- tation for matters covered by the state's w orkers' comp ensation syst em , but CTA maintains a list of highly reputable workers' compensation attorneys who are happy to represent CTA members in workers' compensation cases. Does the union provide members additional liability insurance, separate from GLS? Yes! All active members are automat- i c a l ly a n d a d d i t i o n a l ly c o v e re d b y NEA's Educators Employment Liabil- ity (EEL) insurance policy. Th e EEL p o li c y c o v e r s m e m b e r d e f e n s e li a - bility and/or attorney fees and costs when a member is defending against c e r t a i n e m p l o y m e n t - r e l a t e d l e g a l proceedings. This may include both civ i l d efen se an d crimin al d efen se. Mo r e i n f o r m a t i o n i s a v a i l a b l e o n th e L egal Ser v i c e s p a ge of th e C TA website at c ta .org/for- e ducators/ member-benefits/legal-services. This summary of the GLS program does not cover all aspects of this highly valuable membership benefit. Please contact your PCS/staff representative or a local leader if you have questions about the GLS program or need help with an employment-related legal dis- pute. Or just relax with the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your union provides excellent legal benefits if you ever find yourself dealing with a work-related legal claim. Laura Juran is CTA Chief Counsel. "Know that your union provides excellent legal benefits if you ever find yourself dealing with a work- related legal claim." Vote with California Educators The general election is coming up on Nov. 8. Our vote makes a difference! Together, let's elect lawmakers and vote for initiatives that support public education, students, our profession and our communities. Just one example: CTA supports the reelection of Tony Thurmond as State Superintendent of Public Instruction. Thurmond has been a staunch and effective advocate for our schools and students, and we need his leadership to continue with the progress we have made in California's education system. Your vote is critical in this race. Go to cta.org/our-advocacy/ election-2022 for other CTA- recommended initiatives and candidates. At CTA's Voter Guide (cta.yourvoter.guide), you can find a guide tailored just for you, based on where you live. Know that when you cast your vote for CTA-recommended candidates, you are voting for those who support students, teaching and learning. 35 A U G U S T / S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 2 Tony Thurmond A