Volume 4, Issue 9
May, 2011
SCOPE FOR PARAS, CUSTODIAL, PLANT OPS., BUS DRIVERS AND OTHER EDU. EMPLOYEES
“SIMPLE DECENCY ACT” BILL FILED
A “Simple Decency Act” bill was filed this session by State Senator Jose Rodriguez of El Paso in an ongoing effort to provide PSRP’s with basic rights and fair procedures when facing termination.
Texas AFT has long supported such legislation in an effort to prevent arbitrary termination of support employees. Support employees generally do not have the benefit of a written contract. In many districts a support staffer can be fired without any explanation and without any chance to be heard in response to alleged grounds for termination. That’s just wrong, and it actually increases the chances of a legal challenge to employment termination as employees seek redress by any means available.
Support employees who have completed a probationary period should be given notice in writing of a proposed termination and the grounds for it. And there should be a review proceeding where employees can respond.
By passing a “Simple Decency Act,” the legislature would grant these basic rights to support employees faced with termination. Employees should retain any greater rights granted to them by school districts, but this state law at least would establish a floor of basic fairness for all support personnel statewide.
The current bill, SB 1093, calls for annual written evaluations for support employees and for districts to specify the grounds on which a district may terminate non-probationary support employees.
The bill further requires a district to specify the procedure the district must use in terminations, along with a written notice that includes a statement of the ground for the proposed termination and any other material facts related to the proposed termination. The superintendent must review the grounds for the proposed termination and the employee may request a termination review proceeding that allows them to respond to the grounds outlined by the district.
Source: Texas AFT PSRP Reporter
Take Legislative Action
With your help, we can build a powerful, effective online activist network to help move the union's agenda forward and to increase our political clout. Participate in the following action campaigns and contact your representatives on the issues that affect working families every day.
Pasta Dijon With Chicken And Broccoli
• 1 pound Mostaccioli, Penne or other medium pasta shape, uncooked
• 8 oz. boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tsp. vegetable oil
• 3 cups broccoli florets
• 1 large red bell pepper, cut into short, thin strips
• 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 12-oz. can evaporated skim milk
• 1 tbsp. Cornstarch
• 3 tbsp. Dijon mustard
Prepare pasta according to package directions.
While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken with salt, pepper and garlic. Coat a large non-stick skillet with cooking spray or 2 turns of olive oil; place over medium-high heat until hot.
Add chicken and stir-fry 4 to 5 minutes or until chicken is cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and place in a medium bowl.
Add broccoli, red pepper and chicken broth to skillet. Cover; simmer over medium heat 5 to 6 minutes or until vegetables are tender-crisp.
Transfer to bowl with chicken. In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup of the milk with cornstarch, mixing until smooth. Add to skillet with remaining milk; bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat; stir in mustard. Stir in reserved chicken mixture.
When pasta is done, drain well. Toss with chicken mixture. Serve immediately with additional freshly ground pepper, if desired.
If you have questions about any benefits please contact Barbara Lightheart, Texas AFT Benefits Director, 1-800-222-3827 or
Discounted Mortgage Service
AFT+ and Chase Bank have teamed up to offer a variety of mortgage services at discounted rates.
Call your local Chase Bank and ask about the AFT/Union Plus program
PCI—CLINIC
For all employees and dependents on the McAllen ISD Health plan
Located:
500 S. Bicentennial Blvd.
McAllen, TX 78501
Phone: 956-971-0077
Making a Difference
Would love to hear from you if you have a story of someone making a difference at your school. Please email (mcallenaft2@yahoo.com) or call us at 682-1143 with your story for our next Scope newsletter. It’s here! It’s finally here! That good old summertime!
Wishing you all a great summer!
