VTA Bargaining.

Resources

Collective Bargaining
What it is an how it works.

Unions and Bargaining
Setting the record straight.

Thanks to years of strong union advocacy, California educators have certain rights guaranteed by law on the job. 
The rights of working people are constantly under attack. It is only through our strong collective power that we preserve and enhance our rights.

2023 VTA Bargaining Team
CHAIR: Andrea Miller-Fae (High School)
Lance Parrow (High School)
Erin Dayus (Middle School)
Yenny Carrio (Middle School)
Jacob Silva (Elementary)
Eric Smith (Elementary) 
Kristin Childs (Special Ed)

What is Due Process...

• VTA believes an adequate probationary period is necessary and no dismissal action should be initiated unless the bargaining unit member has been informed of his/her alleged deficiencies and given time and assistance for their correction.
• VTA believes in the instances where substitute teachers are represented by their local Association, the dismissal process shall be followed. VTA believes, in such cases, substitute teachers have just cause in disciplinary cases.

Whatever the specifics of the format for due process (permanent status) protection, the following criteria must be present to guarantee fair procedures. As such, these criteria will form a base for consideration of alternative formats, and for the evaluation of proposals from all sources regarding revision of existing due process (permanent status) laws in dismissal actions:

1. Bargaining unit members must have access to a hearing of charges, evidence, and presentation of defense before an impartial, objective, “third-party” source.
2. The conclusions and recommendations of such hearings, with right of appeal, must be binding on all parties in the proceeding.
3. Rules of evidence in administrative proceedings must be the same as those utilized in civil actions.
4. The proceedings and resulting conclusions and recommendations must reflect the participation of professional peers in the process.
5. Dismissal proceedings must be based upon sound procedures, which would include:

•  Clear definition of standards of performance and of criteria upon which those standards will be judged. Student performance on standardized tests shall not be considered valid criteria. These standards and criteria shall be mutually agreed upon by the evaluatee and evaluator.
• Early notification to the bargaining unit member of alleged deficiencies.
• Opportunity, including time and assistance from district sources, to correct alleged deficiencies before dismissal action is taken.
• It is the responsibility of the professional organization to protect the due process rights of its members.