If you are reading this, you are probably part of a bargaining unit that has chosen an SDEA local affiliate as your bargaining representative. If not, and you want to be, we can help with that too. As a public-school employee, you have the right to bargain your agreements together. This is an important way for you to improve your working conditions.
Many agreements start with a recognition clause, which is sometimes called a statement of recognition. This part of your contract formally names the union, including SDEA and your local affiliate, as your only bargaining representative. It also explains which jobs and locations are included in the bargaining unit. The makeup of the bargaining unit cannot be changed by just one side. Any changes to positions must go through a legal process. If this does not happen, it could lead to an unfair labor practice claim.
What do you do if you want to make changes to your bargaining unit? If there is a group that is not listed in your recognition clause within your negotiated agreement that you would like to include, the first step is to ask your School Board for voluntary recognition. If they are willing to do so, the appropriate documentation must be completed for that to go into effect. If the School Board is NOT willing to voluntarily recognize your unit’s makeup, you must then proceed to file a Unit Determination with the Department of Labor. This hearing will be held in Pierre. To begin this process, a petition must be filed with the South Dakota Department of Labor. This is something that would be handled by the SDEA attorney- you are not alone in this!
Again, please know that you are not alone. SDEA is here to provide you with the help and resources you need to navigate through these difficult issues. The first step is knowing your rights. If you run into an issue like this and would like assistance, please reach out to your UniServ Director.
SDEA VESi Online Course Offerings
Three Online Graduate Courses. Up to nine credits for $275 TOTAL!
South Dakota Education Association (SDEA) has partnered with Augustana University and VESi to offer members a yearly subscription to online graduate courses for $275 per year. You can enroll in one course per term or two courses during the summer (if you skip fall or spring), for a total of 3 courses per year.
