Know Your Contract #1

One of our goals with the website is to talk about some of the clauses in the contract and how they affect you directly. If there's anything you would like clarified directly, please let Ryan know at the email address to the right!

Question: I’ve been called into the principals office, and I’m worried about what the conversation might be. What rights do I have under the contract?

Answer: As with many things in life, it depends.

The important thing to recognize is that you have the right to speak with your union rep at any point in the disciplinary process; however, your supervisor has no obligation to tell you that you have that right. If you’re talking with the principal and you feel like it’s a conversation that could result in discipline, ask them flat out, “Could I be reprimanded for what we’re discussing?” If the answer is yes, you have the right to stop the conversation right then and there and get a building rep or association officer to help you out.

However, if your principal tells you that it isn’t a disciplinary matter, then it’s completely your decision on how to proceed. Trust your instincts, trust your own comfort level, and always remember that we’re here to help. Good luck!