Stipend Update

AEEA's legal position is that the PSSA stipend allotment is not part of our unfair labor practice allegation. More>>

Unfair Labor Practice Charges Filed

AEEA has opted to file an Unfair Labor Practice with the Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board alleging that four areas of conduct were not permissible in the context of a union election. More>>

Election Result

We regretfully inform you that, by a margin of only 8 votes, AEEA has not come to fruition this year. We are hopeful our voices have been heard, and we will continue to make positive changes for our students and staff.

Respectfully,
Agora Employee Education Association

With ballots in the mail, AEEA hopes that you are reassured and comforted that your voice will soon be heard. Please keep in mind that many of the last-minute tactics you are seeing are predictable and common practice in anti-union playbooks. We encourage you to Stay Informed and Focused in this final stretch!

A word from Brenda DiEugenio...

Secure your rights through collective bargaining.

Secure your benefits.

Secure your wages.

Secure your working conditions.

Secure your future.

Election Update

Great news! The PLRB has issued the Order and Notice of Election. It is with great excitement that AEEA recaps the voting logistics:

1. Monday, 4.30.12 - All eligible voters will be mailed their official mail ballot. Please see page 7 of the Order to ensure your name was received by the PLRB.
2. Thursday, 5.3.12 - If you have not received your mail ballot by 5:00 p.m. on this date, please immediately call the PLRB at 717.787.1081 (note: office hours are M-F from 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.)
3. Monday, 5.14.12 - Ballots must be returned to and received by the PLRB by 5:00 p.m.
4. Tuesday, 5.15.12 - At 10:00 a.m., ballots will be counted. Our voices will be heard! The public is permitted to attend the count which will take place at the Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board; Piatt Place; 301 Fifth Avenue, Suite 320; Pittsburg, PA.

As we move forward into the final phase of the election process, AEEA is immensely grateful to each of you for the continual support, strength and courage that you have provided us and one another over the last several months. It is because of our profound respect and deep loyalty for each of our colleagues that we have embarked on this endeavor for the betterment of our school and the future of cyber education. It has been a tremendous honor and privilege to provide necessary information relevant to our school and our future union and we greatly look forward to our official unionization as AEEA.

Recent News

PLRB hearing examiner Jack Marino issued a decision on March 28, 2012 regarding the inclusion of Instructional Coaches and the RTII Coordinators in the upcoming union election - positions that Agora Cyber Charter School sought to exclude from the bargaining unit. The decision? They're IN!

Kudos to AEEA for fighting for the rights of your colleagues and to those who testified at the hearing. Now... let's vote!

Read the PLRB Order

Staying Informed

Remember to check out AEEA's weekly email, Unite for Insight, designed to keep employees informed and in the loop!

AEEA also introduces Insights from Your Colleagues! Each week, you can read testimonials from your colleagues about why they think unionization is both necessary for the employees at Agora and critical to the school's success. From their lips to your ears. Or, in cyber speak... from their fingers to your eyes. Read on!

Open and Honest

There has been much discussion on the Share Your Thoughts page about staff turnover, particularly since information was shared at the New Employee meeting that appears contradictory to past Board Minutes. What are the real numbers? Which positions were included and eliminated? In the interest of open, honest, and transparent information, and to dispel rumors, AEEA contacted Assistant Head of School Kevin Corcoran with specific questions. View the Correspondence. As always, we will do our best to keep you posted!

Welcome New Employees!

The Agora Employee Education Association (AEEA) welcomes newly hired staff to the Agora family! We hope that you will take a few minutes to review our information and join us in our effort to make our school better for staff, students, and families. Welcome aboard! Read our welcome letter.

AEEA believes that an open dialogue is critical to a healthy work environment. This is especially true during union organizing campaigns. Toward that end, AEEA and PSEA jointly requested an opportunity to address new and recent hires at an upcoming meeting. View the correspondence sent to Agora on January 6, 2012, and the response from Agora that was received on January 11, 2012.

Attention Family Teacher Coaches

In your work as an educator, you are frequently exposed to situations that may give rise to legal actions - this can involve your personal liability. If a student or parent files suit against you, the NEA Educator's Employment Liability (EEL) Insurance, which is automatic with membership in PSEA/NEA, will provide you with insurance protection for the vast majority of cases. This program also reimburses you for damage to your personal property in assault-related incidents.

Ask yourself... is this more or less protection than you have currently? And are you willing to continue working without protection?

Note: This benefit is in addition to the Personal Legal Services Program (PLSP) which provides all members of PSEA with two FREE 30-minute consultations with a PSEA-retained attorney.

A Special Message from PSEA President Mike Crossey

Staying Connected

Continue checking this site for updates and remember to friend Rights for Agora Teachers on Facebook. Join the online community to stay up to date on news and happenings. Encourage your friends and family to join as a show of support!

Note: Previously posted information may be found on the Announcements page.