If you have a concern, you should try to address it at the lowest level possible. This means having a direct conversation where you raise your concern. You may bring someone with you—such as your site representative or the Grievance Chair or member of the Executive Board—for support during this conversation. A summary of the discussion should be shared in a follow-up email sent to all parties involved.
In the rare case that a direct conversation isn’t possible, someone else may speak on your behalf, allowing you to remain anonymous. If the issue cannot be resolved informally, the next steps will depend on the nature of your concern. Below, you’ll find different options to help you decide the best path forward.
Member Concern:
Do you have a concern that isn’t covered by the contract? Fill out this form, to alert VMTA to your issue.
When you submit this form, a digital copy will be generated and emailed to both the appropriate representative and the personal email address you provide.
We share concerns anonymously with district administration in an effort to resolve them. When a clear response is received, we will share it with you.
Grievance:
A grievance is used when it is believed that the contract has not been honored. It’s a formal way to report a problem when your school site or the district isn’t following the contract. If any part of the contract is being broken, you have the right to file a grievance to address the issue. The process usually begins by trying to resolve the problem informally. If that doesn’t work, it can move to a more formal, written process. VMTA is here to support and represent you throughout the entire process.
Williams Complaint:
If you have a concern about student learning conditions—such as safety, access to instructional materials, clean and safe facilities, or teacher misassignments—this is the form to use. Williams Act violations typically involve the lack of sufficient textbooks or instructional materials, unsafe or poorly maintained school facilities, or students being taught by teachers lacking proper credentials for the subject or grade level.
OSHA Complaint:
The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 gives employees and their representatives the right to file a complaint and request an OSHA inspection if they believe there is a serious hazard or that their employer is not complying with OSHA standards.
Ed Code Violation:
Violations of the California Education Code should be documented using a concern form and referred to a CTA lawyer for follow-up. An Ed Code violation may include issues such as improper class sizes, inadequate instructional minutes, credentialing concerns, or denial of legally mandated services. If you believe a law outlined in the Education Code has been broken, this is the appropriate process to follow.