Frequently Asked Questions
I'm really on the fence about being a union member. Is it really worth the money?
YES! It really is worth the money. Besides having a voice in negotiations for your contract, being a union member gives you legal representation for job-related issues; free professional development classes for re-licensure; discounts for services on mortgage rates, insurance and products; foundation scholarships and grants; fellowship with your colleagues; and leadership opportunities in our local union.
Can I negotiate with administration for my own salary?
No, you cannot. The CSA #4296 is the collective bargaining unit for all certified staff members. Only members of the union have a voice in negotiations.
How can I have a voice in what is brought to the table for negotiations?
Members can voice their ideas and concerns to site/region union reps or to the members of the Negotiations Team. If you are interested in being on the Negotiations Team, express your interest to your site/region reps or other member of the Executive Board. Per our by-laws, negotiators are appointed by the Executive Board and must attend training to be a negotiator.
I am being asked to meet with my supervisor and HR about a disciplinary action. What should I do?
You should ask for our Members Advocate member or other union representative to be present at the meeting. This is one of your rights as a union member! Do not meet unless you have your union rep with you, even if it means rescheduling the meeting. Administrators MUST honor your request.
I enjoy being a member but am not excited about having part of my dues support the PAC (Political Action Committee). Do I have any choice in what my dues are used for?
Yes! While the PAC is one of our main tools to bring the educator voice to policy debate, Education Minnesota Bylaw Article 2, Section 3, Subd. b, I allows for a refund of $25 of Education Minnesota's dues to members that would normally be contributed to the general account of Education Minnesota Political Action Committee . In order to do so, a member must complete the PAC Refund Request form (found in the fall edition of Minnesota Educator) by the deadline listed on the form (Oct. 31, 2021) or within 30 days of signing a membership application for new members.
YES! It really is worth the money. Besides having a voice in negotiations for your contract, being a union member gives you legal representation for job-related issues; free professional development classes for re-licensure; discounts for services on mortgage rates, insurance and products; foundation scholarships and grants; fellowship with your colleagues; and leadership opportunities in our local union.
Can I negotiate with administration for my own salary?
No, you cannot. The CSA #4296 is the collective bargaining unit for all certified staff members. Only members of the union have a voice in negotiations.
How can I have a voice in what is brought to the table for negotiations?
Members can voice their ideas and concerns to site/region union reps or to the members of the Negotiations Team. If you are interested in being on the Negotiations Team, express your interest to your site/region reps or other member of the Executive Board. Per our by-laws, negotiators are appointed by the Executive Board and must attend training to be a negotiator.
I am being asked to meet with my supervisor and HR about a disciplinary action. What should I do?
You should ask for our Members Advocate member or other union representative to be present at the meeting. This is one of your rights as a union member! Do not meet unless you have your union rep with you, even if it means rescheduling the meeting. Administrators MUST honor your request.
I enjoy being a member but am not excited about having part of my dues support the PAC (Political Action Committee). Do I have any choice in what my dues are used for?
Yes! While the PAC is one of our main tools to bring the educator voice to policy debate, Education Minnesota Bylaw Article 2, Section 3, Subd. b, I allows for a refund of $25 of Education Minnesota's dues to members that would normally be contributed to the general account of Education Minnesota Political Action Committee . In order to do so, a member must complete the PAC Refund Request form (found in the fall edition of Minnesota Educator) by the deadline listed on the form (Oct. 31, 2021) or within 30 days of signing a membership application for new members.