“A union isn’t just an organization that you join. A union is ‘collective action’ with others. You need to experience a union to fully appreciate its value.”
Elaine Bernard, executive director of the Labor and Worklife Program at Harvard University
Group Legal Services Program (GLSP)
As a member of a CTA bargaining unit, you have the right to be fairly represented by your local association in matters arising under the collective bargaining agreement with your employer. In addition to your collective bargaining agreement, you enjoy many employment-related rights that arise under state or federal law. CTA members are eligible to participate in the CTA Group Legal Services Program (GLSP). The GLSP provides high quality employment-related legal services to CTA members and chapters to ensure that their contractual, statutory, and constitutional rights are protected. Below you’ll find information about GLSP guidelines and procedures, how to seek assistance with employment-related legal issues, and laws and regulations that impact you as a CTA member in your employment.
Note: these resources are for CTA members only and are password protected
Educators Employment Liability (EEL) Insurance
Every CTA member receives coverage for legal defense costs in lawsuits arising out of his or her education employment activities. The Educators Employment Liability (EEL) Insurance policy provides the following benefits: Up to $1,000,000 coverage for legal defense costs in civil suits (except civil rights cases) arising out of educational employment activities; up to $35,000 reimbursement of attorney fees and costs to defend employment-related criminal proceedings; up to $1,000 of bail bond premiums; and up to $500 for damage to personal property when caused by an assault in the course of employment.
EEL claims are filed with the insurance carrier who held the EEL policy on the date of occurrence for the matter on which you are filing a claim. The EEL insurance carrier is the same as last year – Nautilus Insurance c/o York Claims Services/Sedgwick. If the date of occurrence for your matter falls between September 1, 2012 through August 31, 2024 you should use the claim form posted here. If the date of occurrence for your matter is prior to September 1, 2012 you should contact your CTA staff representative who can provide you with the correct claim form and insurance carrier information.
All EEL claims must by filed by the CTA/NEA EEL Coordinator. Contact the Legal Department at 650.552.5425 or 562.478.1410 for further information on electronic filing of all EEL claims.
Note: these resources are for CTA members only and are password protected
Have You Been RIF'd?
Review our legal documents if you have received a Reduction In Force (RIF) notice. Note: these resources are for CTA members only and are password protected.
Note: these resources are for CTA members only and are password protected
Know Your Rights: Advisories and Guidance
Your right to union representation, safe schools and information about how to advise parents on testing opt-out options.
“If an employee has a reasonable belief that discipline or other adverse consequences may result from what he or she says, the employee has the right to request union representation. When the employee makes the request for a union representative to be present management has three options:
(1) it can stop questioning until the representation arrives.
(2) it can call off the interview or,
(3) it can tell the employee that it will call off the interview unless the employee voluntarily gives up his/her rights to union representation (an option the employee should always refuse).”
Public schools can be complicated workplaces. There are many rights and responsibilities established to provide the basic conditions for a safe, secure and productive learning environment. This guide will walk you through those conditions.
California is one of handful of states that has a law allowing all parents to opt out of state-mandated standardized testing. Learn more and find resources for educators and parents.
The document covers the most frequently asked questions about non-permanent residents’ employment rights.
