“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 attorney representation to CTA members and chapters for employment-related legal disputes, subject to GLS program conditions, 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 in your employment.
Note: these resources are for CTA members only and are password protected
Educators Employment Liability (EEL) Insurance
Every CTA member receives insurance coverage to defend against claims arising out of their education employment activities. The Educators Employment Liability (EEL) Insurance policy provides the following benefits: Up to $1,000,000 in damages liability protection; up to $3,000,000 in legal costs to defend against civil claims or lawsuits (with certain limits/exclusions) brought against members in connection with their educational employment activities; up to $35,000 reimbursement of attorneys’ fees and costs to successfully defend against employment-related criminal proceedings; up to $1,000 per bail bond; and up to $500 for assault-related personal property damage experienced 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 currently Nautilus Insurance Company c/o Sedgwick Claims Management Services, Inc. If the date of occurrence for your matter falls between September 1, 2012 through August 31, 2025 you should use the claim form posted here with assistance from the CTA Legal Department. 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 be 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.
