From your President

​Dear Members, 
 
     First, I would like to invite each and everyone of you to attend our Winter Waltz, Thursday December 15th at 3:30, Westchester Burger in Rye Brook! Last years event was a true success and a great start to the holiday season! Join us to meet new people and see old friends!  
 
    This past year and a half has been a busy one! Your Executive Board and Representative Council have been working non stop to address all matters that effect our membership!
 
     As you all know, negotiations have been a long and tedious process. The committee began its work in early 2014 and the team, comprised of myself, Phil Rucci, Lesa Curtis and Maria DiNardo have worked endlessly with administration in hopes of reaching and agreement for all certified staff.  I can finally announce that on Tuesday January 17th at 3:00, in the RLC Gym, the ratification meeting will be held!  The changes to the agreement will be presented to you in detail. The vote to pass the agreement will then be held on Monday January 23rd at 3:00 on the CTE campus in Building D Conference Room.  We ask that you once again come out to cast your vote via ballot. It will only take a moment!  Please let your voice be heard.
 
     Upgrades have been a cause of great confusion and contention. With the new administration opposing previously established and adopted practice (3/5/14), a subcommittee was formed in hopes of creating a chart that would be beneficial to the members without causing great financial burden on the organization. Unfortunately, because negotiations did not go as planned, administration released a letter that was not sanctioned by the BTA. We believe that past practice should prevail and therefore have filed a grievance on behalf of our members. We ask that you continue to submit upgrades and any that are denied, refused a signature or returned, be sent to myself or Paulette Theret at RLC. Please know that this is a long and arduous process. We are still addressing the two grievances filed last May and continue to move to the level of arbitration!  
 
     We have received many complaints of bullying and harassment in the work place! The DASA form for filing such complaints can be found at our new website bocesta.net. Understanding this to be a difficult and stressful situation, we the BTA are here to support and guide you in any way possible!
 
     Our jobs continue to be difficult ones and unfortunately this comes with the inherent risk of injury! On a weekly basis I am informed of injuries. No matter the severity of your injury, immediately report and document! Your supervisor should fill out a C-2F form (swboces.org/HR/benefits) and you, an incident report. This documentation provides protections from any present or future medical issue that may arise! 
 
   The other day when speaking to a member she said "Remember those days when we used to wear out BTA shirts to show solidarity, what happened?" I replied, "I do remember, your right, we should!" So I ask that every Wednesday, beginning December 21st, wear your BTA blue! Standing up for safety, improper working conditions as well as for those members who have been stricken with illness, injuries or unfairly treated! Strength is always found in numbers!
 
     If you need to reach any of your Executive Board or Representative Council members, please visit our website bocesta.net. My email is [email protected] and my phone #, well that you already have!
 
It has been an honor and a pleasure to serve as your president!  We have a board and representative counsel second to none. Together we wish you all a holiday season filled with love, laughter and peace! 
 
SEE YOU AT THE WINTER WALTZ!!
 
Sincerely, 
Melissa