Frequently Asked Questions

What is the role of the Lawrence Teachers’ Union?
The Lawrence Teachers’ Union is the exclusive collective bargaining agent for:
· All day classroom teachers including counselors, social workers, occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech pathologists, lead teachers, librarians, Title/Chapter I teachers, attendance officers, department heads, staff developers, school psychologists, Safe Schools Health Students Facilitator, “21st Century Program Facilitator,” MINT District Licensure Facilitator, evaluator team leaders, full-time adult basic/G.E.D./E.S.L. teachers, Success for All (SFA) facilitators, mentor/peer assistance facilitator, evaluation team facilitators and other job-related education facilitators, content coaches, and extracurricular advisor

What statewide and national union is the LTU affiliated with?
· American Federation of Teachers (AFT); (http://www.aft.org)
· AFT Massachusetts ; (http://www.mfteducator.org)
· AFL-CIO, Mass AFL-CIO; (http://www.massaflcio.org)
· Merrimack Valley Labor Council (MVCLC)

What are the LTU's primary responsibilities?
Negotiate and enforce the contract
· Represent the membership in all matters related to work
· Answer job-related questions and assist in any job-related matter
· Promote public education
· Promote the growth of our profession
· Work politically through COPE to elect pro-public education, pro-union candidates.
COPE or the Committee on Political Education is, by law, a separate entity within the LTU devoted to supporting candidates who support public education and who otherwise favor our positions on a variety of work-related issues.
· Work with the community to insure our schools are as good as they can be.

How do I get in contact with the LTU?
· Visit the LTU office at the Everett Mill, 15 Union Street, Lawrence, MA
Business Hours, 3-5, all workdays, except legal holidays
· Call 978 685 8708
· www.ltu1019.com (LTU 1019 Web Page)
· franklhs@comcast.net (President’s Email)

What else does the LTU do?
We sponsor a range of social and charitable events:
· A variety of social get-togethers, at the beginning, mid, and end of year including a reception for new teachers, paraprofessionals, and substitute teachers in the fall. (You will receive an invitation)
· Educational forums

How does the Union communicate with you?
First, get a membership application card from your LTU Building Rep. Fill it out, and return it. Then you'll become a member and receive a LTU Membership card. You will then get on our mailing list and you will receive:
· Membership letters
· Union newspaper (Apple)
· MFT Newspaper
· AFT magazine
· WEB Page (http://www.ltu1019.com
What is the leadership structure of the LTU?
All policy is set by the membership at its regularly scheduled monthly membership meetings. Union meetings are held on the 1st Wednesday of each month at 3:15 PM at the Knights of Columbus, 1 Market Street, Lawrence, MA. All members are welcome to attend. Our first meeting will be on Wednesday, September 13, 2006.
The LTU's policy board is its Executive Board, served by 7 officers elected at every two years.
Serving as a direct link between the union office and the membership are elected LTU Building Representatives from every building and program in the city. LTU Building Rep.'s are selected each year to service the members at each school site and act as the liaisons between the union office and our membership in our schools.

How do you join?
Although your benefits and rights begin generally when you do, you are not officially a union member until you sign a membership application card. Signing the card and giving it to your Building Rep. insures membership, the right to vote in union elections, and membership with our affiliates.
How can I get involved in the union?
Perhaps you can start by attending a membership meeting (see below). We also have various committees. Many members write articles for the union newspaper. Still others try to become building representatives. We are interested in involving new activists. Please feel free to stop by or call one of us and we can discuss your interests. Our Welcome Back to School Party is Friday, September 22, 2006 at the Claddah Pub (Essex and Amesbury Streets). There is free admission and parking for new members.
Where and when are Union meetings?
Our first union meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 13, 2006. All regular monthly LTU meetings will be held on the first Wednesday of every month at 3:15 PM. Meetings generally last for 1to 2 hours. Meetings and are held at the Lawrence Knights of Columbus, 1 Market Street, Lawrence, MA.
When does the LTU Executive meet and where is the office?
The LTU Executive Board meetings are held on the last Wednesday of every month at 3:15 PM. Meetings generally last for 1hour and are held at our office at the Everett Mills. The LTU office (978 685 8708) is open from 3-5 p.m. or by appointment.
I have a question about the contract, my rights, or the like. Whom do I call?
Before you call, ask your local building representative. He or she represents the union in your school and has generally had experience in many of the matters that affect each of us.
If you still need help, there are eight of us you can call. Initial questions on contract implementation, payroll problems, possible grievances, and the like should be directed to:
Kathy Delaney, Elementary Grievance Rep., (978) 685 8708, (978) 978 691 7200 (Parthum School) or lltu1019@aol.com
Patricia Driscoll, Elementary Grievance Rep., (978) 685 8708, (978) 975 5941 (Frost School) or lltu1019@aol.com
James White, Secondary Grievance Rep, (978) 685 8708, (978) 975 2750 (Lawrence High School) or lltu1019@aol.com
If you have questions about the union’s political activities, our Committee on Political Education COPE please direct them to: Patricia Driscoll, (978) 685 8708, (978) 975 5941 (Frost School) or lltu1019@aol.com
If you have a question about the union’s operations, dues, and the like, please call Nancy Parchuke, Treasurer, at 978 685-8708, (978)975 5905 (Lawrence High School), or lltu1019@aol.com.
Questions about, outstanding grievances, contract questions or interpretation should be directed to: Kathy Delaney, Patricia Driscoll, or Jim White, (978) 685 8708 or lltu1019@aol.com
The Apple (LTU Newspaper) Kim Barry, (978) 685 8708, (978) 978 691 7200 (Parthum School) or lltu1019@aol.com
Our Webmaster is David Toto. You can contact him at (978) 975 2750 (Lawrence High School) or http://www.ltu1019.com
Building Representative issues, Communication, and Correspondence contact Kathy Delaney (978) 685 8708 or lltu1019@aol.com
If you have any other questions, please call:
Francis J. McLaughlin Jr., President, Office: (978) 685 8708, FAX: (978) 681 9328, Emergency Cell (978)804 1429, lltu1019@aol.com or franklhs@comcast.net
Although each of us has individual responsibilities, we all routinely pinch hit for each other and are reasonably familiar with all aspects of the union’s work. In other words, if you need an immediate answer—we ought to be to help you right away even if the appropriate person is not in the office at that time. In any case, leave a message or email one of us and you will get a quick return call.

With what kinds of questions do people call?
The range of questions is enormous. A couple of typical questions might be. Am I on the right salary step? What do I do if I have an overcrowded class? Which health insurance is best? How and when can I find a new school? Which political candidates does the union support?
Some questions are difficult to answer or require research. Others require referral to another person. No question is silly. Ask away.

Tell me more about the health insurance?
Health insurance is provided to the membership through the City of Lawrence. The city pays 75% of the premium cost of Blue Cross Blue Shield Indemnity Plan (or the equivalent) and 80% of HMO premium cost on a pre tax basis. (see page 54)
You can only change plans during the next Open Enrollment period, which occurs in the spring for health insurance that will take effect on July 1, 2006.
New Employees can sign up for health insurance through the HR Office.

How do I find out more about things like retirement?
AFT MA holds several seminars each year.

What are my major benefits?
Too numerous to mention….You get a variety of negotiated benefits: the city’s health insurance plan, sick and personal leave. Review you contract and benefits booklets.
As a member of Massachusetts Federation of Teachers, American Federation of Teachers, and AFL-CIO, you receive a number of benefits and discounts from all three organizations. You may participate in some or all of the programs available to you as a union member.
Be sure to view the MFT Discounts Booklet with museum, park and entertainment choices...all that offer discounts to MFT members.
Links to other member benefits include:
Mass Buying Power (www.Massbuy.com) offers discounts to MFT members
B&M Insurance (www.Bandminsurance.com) offers discount insurance programs for MFT members.
American Federation of Teachers offers a wide range of discount programs to members. Visit www.aft.org/aftplus/index.html.
The AFL-CIO publishes a list of "Buy Union Buy American".

Can I visit the office?
Yes, but if you are looking to speak with a particular LTU staff person, you should call in advance to schedule an appointment. You can also call (or email) the office.