Recertification Elections Scheduled for November 7-27!
Vote online or by phone 1-888-572-2350 starting November 7
How do I vote?
In this video, we guide you through the online voting process.
Having trouble voting? Contact the Help Desk: 1-888-884-9403
Print this half-sheet flyer for Substitutes in your building
Slideshow for employees new to the Recertification Process
Under Act 10, public sector unions, except police and fire, are required to engage in annual recertification elections to retain their status as the “exclusive certified representative of the employees” who elected the union to represent them. Unlike political elections in which the candidate with the most votes wins, Act 10 further requires that to win recertification, the union must win 51% of all eligible voters. Those who do not vote are counted as a “NO” vote against recertification. Therefore, it is critical that all eligible employees (both member AND potential members) cast a “YES” ballot. MTI has prevailed overwhelmingly in past recertification elections because of high voter turnout and our experience shows that when employees vote, they vote MTI YES over 98% of the time! Where recertification elections have been lost in other school districts, it is frequently because less than 51% of the eligible voters cast a ballot.
Both members and potential members are eligible and must vote or they will be counted as a NO.
Why is Recertification important?
The recertification election will determine whether MTI continues to be the legally recognized “certified representative” for MMSD employees in MTI’s three (3) bargaining groups (Teacher, Educational Support Professionals, and United Substitutes). This status requires that MMSD bargain with MTI on base-wage increases and enables MTI members to be represented in Handbook discussions and any other employment related concerns.
1. Bargaining for cost-of-living base wage increases – Employees represented by a certified labor representative are afforded the right to engage in collective bargaining over base-wage increases with their employer. Recertification not only ensures the right to collectively bargain but it also solidifies MTI’s status as the certified representative for MMSD employees.
2. Advocating for critical rights, benefits, and working conditions in the Employee Handbook – MTI has worked collaboratively with the District to develop the Employee Handbook. Through that process, we successfully continued the vast majority of rights, benefits, and working conditions previously provided via collective bargaining. We have also gained the District’s agreement that any proposed changes to the Employee Handbook will continue to follow the same joint collaborative process for discussion and recommendation. These achievements were made possible because active and engaged members ensured that their Union had a seat at the table. Last year’s recertification election results sent a strong message that employees want MTI to be their collective voice. We need to send the same message again this year by ensuring high turnout in this election as it is a public indication of MTI’s support.
3. Staying United – Being a Union member is about supporting one another. When you and your colleagues vote to recertify MTI, policymakers know that educators stick together in solidarity on important issues that impact our profession, our schools, and our students.
4. Representation – It’s about fairness and how you are treated. Union members in certified bargaining groups have the right to representation – also called Weingarten rights – allowing a member who is being investigated to be accompanied and advised by a union representative. Your colleagues appreciate your support. Show your support by voting YES to recertify MTI. Thank you!
Just as important, when one votes to recertify MTI, that individual is also voting to support her/his/their students, their profession, quality public education, and her/his/their colleagues.
Together, we have a STRONGER VOICE than individual employees.
How can you help?
By always sticking together, our Union remains one of the strongest and responsive in our state. To WIN this year’s election, we again need Recertification Member Organizers from all three bargaining groups (MTI, ESP-MTI, & USO-MTI), to help raise awareness, ensure every worker has a voice, and turn out the “UNION YES” vote. Connect with your MTI Faculty Representative or ESP Building Representative to find out how you can assist in this effort at your work location.