Revised June 2013 McMaster House 191 Harcourt St Winnipeg, MB R3J 3H2 Telephone: or Fax: or

Transcription

1 Revised June 2013 McMaster House 191 Harcourt St Winnipeg, MB R3J 3H2 Telephone: or Fax: or facebook.com/manitobateachers twitter.com/mbteacher

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3 Table of Contents Part I: Structure What is the society s structure?... 1 What are the primary entities within the society s organizational structure?... 1 What is a charter and what is its purpose?... 1 What independent authority does the local association have?... 2 What is the role of presidents council?... 2 What is the role of the standing committees? Standing Committees Service on Standing Committees Collective Bargaining Committee Curriculum and Teaching Committee Group Benefits Committee Professional Development Teacher Education and Certification Committee Education Finance Committee Workplace Safety and Health Committee Equity and Social Justice Committee Aboriginal Voice and Action Committee... 4 What is EFM?... 4 What is COSL?... 4 Local associations / Rural Region (map)... 5 Local associations / Metro Region (map)... 6 Local associations / Northern Region (map)... 7 AEFM / Metro and Rural Regions (map)... 8 Part II: Membership and Fees 1. Membership... 9 a. Active Member in good standing... 9 b. Associate Member in good standing Rights of Members Membership Fees Membership Year Part III: Summary of Services 1. Liaison with Government, the Public and Other Organizations Free Services to Members ) Collective Bargaining and Employee Benefits ) Professional Issues ) Curriculum and Teaching ) Teacher Education and Certification ) Special Area Groups of Educators (SAGEs) ) Primary Prevention Team ) Teacher Action Cohorts ) Services to Individuals ) Counselling (Educator Assistance Program) ) Services to Associations ) Services in the French Language ) Public Relations ) MTS Staff Benefits to Associate Members Limitations ) The Public Schools Act ) Pensions ) Group Life Insurance ) Disability Benefits Plan ) Education Finance ) Workplace Safety and Health Part IV: Economic Protection for Teachers 1. Pensions Manitoba Public Schools Employees Group Life Insurance Manitoba Public Schools Employees Dental and Extended Health Insurance Plans MTS Optional Life Insurance Plan Disability Benefits Plan Deferred Salary Leave Plans Appendices MTS Policy Handbook (Bylaw X) MTS Policy Handbook: The Society s Code of Professional Practice MTS Policy Handbook: Teachers Bill of Rights The Manitoba Teachers Society: Structure and Services i

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5 Part I: Structure WHAT IS THE SOCIETY S STRUCTURE? The Society s structure is comprised of a parent organization with local associations that were historically established on the basis of school division/district boundaries. The Society s Constitution and Bylaws establish the distribution of power and authority between the parent organization and the local associations. Unlike many unions whose primary focus is on collective bargaining, collective agreement administration and the delivery of related services, the Society is also a professional organization that has responsibility for professional issues such as teacher education and certification, professional development and advocacy on behalf of the teaching profession generally. WHAT ARE THE PRIMARY ENTITIES WITHIN THE SOCIETY S ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE? The Membership comprises the highest decision-making body within the Society. The function of the Membership is to formulate major policies for the administration of the Society. This is done through participation in the Local Association and Provincial Council. Members have certain rights, responsibilities and access to benefits. The Provincial Council is comprised of representatives elected or appointed annually by each local association. Provincial Council meets annually with the Provincial Executive to discuss resolutions formulated by the Membership at the local association level. This meeting is known to most Members as AGM. The Provincial Executive is elected by Provincial Council at AGM. The Provincial Executive is comprised of the President, Vice-President and 11 Members at Large. The Provincial Executive s main role is to ensure that the policies established by Provincial Council are implemented and to generally oversee the Society s operations between annual general meetings. The Officers of the Society are the President, the Vice-President and the General Secretary, who is a nonelected officer responsible for the day to day administration of the Society. Local Associations are established by the Provincial Executive in each school division/district and in some First Nation Schools through the issuance of a Charter. WHAT IS A CHARTER AND WHAT IS ITS PURPOSE? A Charter is the document the Society gives to a Local Association to authorize it to carry on the work of the Society such as electing officers and developing a Constitution for approval by the Provincial Executive. The Charter can be suspended or revoked by the Provincial Executive if a Local Association fails to abide by the Constitution, Bylaws and policies of the Society, including carrying out its fiduciary obligations to Members. The Charter also establishes that if a Local Association is suspended or dissolved all of its assets belong to the Society. The Manitoba Teachers Society: Structure and Services 1

6 Part I: Structure WHAT INDEPENDENT AUTHORITY DOES THE LOCAL ASSOCIATION HAVE? The Local Association has the authority granted to it by the Provincial Executive in accordance with the Society s Constitution, Bylaws and the Charter. The Society encourages local autonomy in the day to day representation of Society s members under the general supervision of the Provincial Executive and its Officers, primarily through the position of the General Secretary. The Local Associations also currently hold the bargaining certificates on behalf of the Society. WHAT IS THE ROLE OF PRESIDENTS COUNCIL? Presidents Council is an advisory body to the Provincial Executive. It generally meets with Provincial Executive four times a year in addition to the various regional Presidents meetings that are held. WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE STANDING COMMITTEES? The Standing Committees are each chaired by a member of Provincial Executive. Their role is to formulate strategic action and facilitate effective delivery of services to members. The roles and responsibilities of the Standing Committees are currently under review but they generally address the following issues: STANDING COMMITTEES a) shall monitor and assess trends and developments within its area of responsibility; b) shall address equity issues in its deliberations and recommendations and report on the action taken on these issues in the annual report to Provincial Council; c) shall provide provincial council with an annual report on the status of all action resolutions referred to it; d) shall report to the Provincial Executive and through the Provincial Executive to the Provincial Council; e) shall distribute minutes of its meetings to association presidents; f) shall undertake other responsibilities as assigned by the Provincial Executive. g) may recommend policy changes as needed to the Provincial Executive in response to issues identified by members, Provincial Executive or staff; h) may establish ad hoc committees from within its members; i) shall provide input into planning and delivery of workshops, seminars and other training opportunities for membership. Service on Standing Committees a) The maximum time that a member may serve on an MTS standing committee shall be five (5) consecutive years. b) Under exceptional circumstances, an additional year may be granted upon approval of Provincial Executive. 1) The Collective Bargaining Committee shall address issues related to: a. Collective bargaining; The Manitoba Teachers Society: Structure and Services 2

7 Part I: Structure b. Teaching and learning conditions. 2) The Curriculum and Teaching Committee shall address issues related to: a) Curriculum and teaching; b) Student assessment, evaluation and reporting; c) Exceptional needs. 3) The Group Benefits Committee shall address issues related to: a) Pensions 1. reviewing Society policy 2. dissemination of retirement information b) Group benefits, with the following additional responsibility to administer directly the Society policy holder benefit plans, except for the Disability Benefits Plan, such administrative functions to include the following: 1. receiving of annual experience reports; 2. recommending premium adjustments for approval by the Provincial Executive; 3. informing members and promoting increased levels of participation by associations in Society benefit plans; 4. approving of entry of new groups with the plan; 5. requesting the consultant to provide information on plan amendments or new Society benefit plans; 6. providing special consideration of individual claims under the Society benefit plans. c) Benefit trust committees on which the Society has appointed representation. 4) The Professional Development Committee shall address issues related to: a) Professional Development; b) Special Area Groups of Educators. 5) The Teacher Education and Certification Committee shall address issues related to: a) Teacher certification; b) Teacher education; c) Evaluation of teachers. 6) The Education Finance Committee shall address issues related to: a) Education funding; b) Public school finance. 7) The Workplace Safety and Health Committee shall address issues related to: a) Member safety and member health; b) WSH member education; c) WSH Committees; and d) WSH emergent issues. 8) The Equity and Social Justice Committee shall address issues related to: a) safe, respectful and inclusive teaching environments; The Manitoba Teachers Society: Structure and Services 3

8 Part I: Structure b) discrimination; c) equity, which is defined as fairness achieved through proactive measures which result in empowerment for all; d) social justice, which is defined as a quality in a society when all members of that society are treated equitably and perceive themselves to be physically and psychologically safe and secure. 9) The Aboriginal Voice and Action Committee shall: a) monitor and assess trends and developments in the area of Aboriginal education within Manitoba and Canada; b) review and develop policies for the Society with respect to Aboriginal issues in education and recommend changes to the Provincial Executive; c) report on ongoing progress to the Provincial Executive; and d) report to the Annual General Meeting. Each standing committee is chaired by a member of the Provincial Executive. The recommendations of these committees are subject to decisions of the Provincial Executive. In special circumstances, other committees or task forces may be established. To facilitate greater communication, the province is divided into six regions. Provincial Executive members and Society staff are assigned to these regions as liaison persons. WHAT IS EFM? The Educatrices et educateurs francophones du Manitoba (EFM) is an agency of the Society that provides services to teachers who work in the French language or teach in French Immersion programs. Their primary role is to conduct professional development activities to assist teachers working in both programs. EFM acts as a liaison between the Society, the Bureau de l Education francais, the Franco- Manitobain community and other organizations interested in French education. WHAT IS COSL? The Council for School Leaders (COSL) is an organization within the Society that provides leadership and support to principals and vice-principals in their areas of responsibility in the practice of educational leadership. The Manitoba Teachers Society: Structure and Services 4

9 Part I: Structure Local Association / Rural Regions Map The Manitoba Teachers Society: Structure and Services 5

10 Part I: Structure Local Association / Metro Region Map The Manitoba Teachers Society: Structure and Services 6

11 Part I: Structure Local Association / Northern Region Map The Manitoba Teachers Society: Structure and Services 7

12 Part I: Structure AEFM Metro and Rural Regions Map The Manitoba Teachers Society: Structure and Services 8

13 Part II: Membership and Fees 1. Membership Membership in The Manitoba Teachers Society (MTS) is governed by the provisions of The Manitoba Teachers Society Act and the Labour Relations Act. The by-laws of the Society further define membership and the rights of members. a. Active Member in good standing Status as an active member in good standing is defined as anyone who has a teaching certificate or limited permit, teaches in a public school, pays the requisite fees, has not written himself or herself out, as well as any teacher who, although receiving pension, has not retired from employment within a division. b. Associate Member in good standing The following persons are eligible to become Associate Members of the Society: 1. Teachers who are teaching in First Nations school where the Society is the bargaining agent (currently limited to schools operated by the Nelson House and Sandy Bay Education Authorities); 2. A retired teacher collecting a pension who is no longer employed as a teacher; 3. A teacher employed in a private school or another educational institution where the Society or one of its locals is the bargaining agent. The Society also has special membership categories for Students, Life and Honorary Members. 2. Rights of Members Members have the rights and responsibilities set out in more detail in the Society s Bylaws and Policies. Generally speaking, active members in good standing as well as associate members in good standing in designated First Nation or other schools have full rights to participate in the Society and access its services. The rights of other categories of members are more restricted in keeping with their membership status. 3. Membership Fees The membership year begins July 1 st and ends the following June 30 th. Every teacher employed by a public school board pays an annual membership fee as prescribed by the bylaws of the Society, except associate members in receipt of pension pursuant to the Teachers Pensions Act. The membership fee is determined annually by the Provincial Council of The Manitoba Teachers Society. Fee amounts will vary based on circumstances such as: Part time employment Substitute service Sabbatical and other types of leaves Employment for a portion of the year. The Manitoba Teachers Society: Structure and Services 9

14 Part II: Membership and Fees If you have questions about your MTS fees please contact the Finance and Administrative Services Department of The Manitoba Teachers Society at or Membership Year The membership year for active members is from July 1 st to June 30 th next following and is renewed automatically. Since associate members must re-apply for membership each year and since this application is difficult to complete before the start of the new school year, the membership year for associate members has been extended to September 30th. However, on re-application, associate members (where applicable) are liable for fees for the period July 1st to September 30 th. The Manitoba Teachers Society: Structure and Services 10

15 1. Liaison with Government, the Public and Other Organizations 1) Official representation of members views with the news media, the Manitoba Government, the Government of Canada, and provincial and federal agencies. The President is the spokesperson for the Society and no other teacher or group of teachers has the right to represent the Society without the express permission of the Society. 2) Liaison with Manitoba Education, the universities, and provincial organizations of trustees (MSBA), superintendents (MASS) school business officials (MAS- 80), and parent advisory groups. The Society liaises either directly or through Society-appointed members on inter-organizational committees. 3) The Society is a member of the Canadian Teachers Federation (CTF) which, in turn, is a member of the Education International (El), the largest international teacher organization. CTF represents the views of all Canadian teachers with the Government of Canada, federal organizations and international organizations, and is a major participant in international assistance to teachers in third world countries. Manitoba Education Secretary-Treasurer Superintendents Trustees Universities Parents News Media Other Provincial Teacher Organizations International Organizations National Organizations Foreign Aid Manitoba Government Government of Canada Local Associations 2. Free Services to Members Teachers Each member pays an annual membership fee except for associate members in receipt of pension pursuant to the Teachers Pension Act. This fee entitles the members to services of MTS without further charges except for the two provisions noted below. MTS services, such as staff assistance, consultations, publications and legal services are free of charge. MTS also pays travel, meal and accommodation allowances to members on official MTS business (such as meetings). Individual teachers have the right to phone MTS staff directly for help. The Manitoba Teachers Society: Structure and Services 11

16 Part III: Summary of Services There are only two exceptions to the above: a) membership in a Special Area Group Educators (SAGE) and b) special workshops: a. SAGEs are semi-autonomous organizations, which are affiliated with and partially supported by MTS. These associations levy their own fees and member- ship is optional. b. Special workshops, which include a fee may be organized. Participation in these projects is optional. 1) Collective Bargaining and Employee Benefits Research, advice and assistance on all aspects of collective bargaining, pension plans, insurance plans, employment insurance, maternity and other leaves, part-time and substitute teachers. Communication with Collective Bargaining chairpersons through training seminars and provincial or regional meetings as required. Publication of pamphlets on the status of negotiations and other bulletins or surveys as required for collective bargaining chairpersons and association presidents. Assistance of MTS staff at the bargaining table, when requested and in all conciliation and arbitration proceedings. Enforcement of the collective agreement through grievances and other legal actions. Representations to the Manitoba Government on the maintenance and improvement of the provincial pension plan (TRAF) and advocacy of teachers in respect to pension problems with TRAF or private plans. Provision of master plans for group life insurance, disability insurance, dental and health insurance plans. Advice, assistance and representation on workplace safety and health. Advice, publications, workshops and training of resource persons on a variety of employment issues. 2) Professional Issues Advice and support to individuals and local associations on aspects of professional development. Advice on organizing in-services and contacting resource persons on special topics. Communication with Professional Development chairpersons, through a training seminar and provincial or regional seminars during the school year as required. Publications on professional development topics. 3) Curriculum and Teaching MTS representation on Manitoba Education curriculum committees. Advice, publications and workshops on student assessment and special needs. 4) Teacher Education and Certification Liaison with the universities on teacher education programs. The Manitoba Teachers Society: Structure and Services 12

17 Part III: Summary of Services Advice, publications and workshops on the evaluation of teachers. Liaison with Manitoba Education. 5) Special Area Groups of Educators (SAGEs) SAGEs are organizations of teachers based on a specialty area. They provide province-wide in-services. A teacher does not have to be a member of MTS to belong but the majority of teachers are members. MTS provides financial and organizational support to SAGEs and produces most SAGE publications. Each SAGE levies its own membership fee. 6) Primary Prevention Team Encourages and promotes responsible self-care by providing information and conducting workshops for our provincial colleagues in the areas of physical, occupational, intellectual, social, spiritual and emotional dimensions of wellness. Some of the areas in which they can facilitate or provide workshops are: health, nutrition, diet and healthy eating, change, loss and grief, self-esteem, healthy choices, fitness, stress and aging in the workforce and conflict management/ mediation. 7) Teacher Action Cohorts The teacher action cohorts are Manitoba Teachers Society members who are trained facilitators. These volunteers are available at no cost to teacher associations and public school staffs. TAC facilitators will conduct sessions on topics related to school planning/goal setting, teachers associations, various equity issues and cyberbullying. 8) Services to Individuals Assistance to teachers with personal problems related to: health, sick leave, grievances, certification contract and due process evaluation salary employment insurance, pensions and other school insurance plans maternity leave Legal advice and representation on employment matters. 9) Counselling (Educator Assistance Program) Teachers who need help can obtain counselling sessions with our professional counsellors (bilingual service). Counselling services are not restricted to school-related problems and may include personal problems of any nature, such as marriage, divorce, drug abuse, stress. All information is strictly confidential. The Manitoba Teachers Society: Structure and Services 13

18 Part III: Summary of Services 10) Services to Associations Advice and assistance to local associations respecting organization, programs and communication. Communication with presidents through training seminars, the meetings of the Presidents Council and liaison by the Provincial Executive and MTS staff. 11) Services in the French Language Services in the French language are provided to teachers and associations with the assistance of Les Educatrices et Educateurs Francophones du Manitoba, an agency of The Manitoba Teachers Society, and by bilingual MTS staff. 12) Public Relations Advice to associations on improving public relations and publishing newsletters. Publication of the newsmagazine, The Manitoba Teacher. External public relations with the press and news media. Information and support documents on a variety of public relations topics. Communication with public relations chairpersons through a training seminar on a provincial or regional basis during the year as required. 13) MTS Staff MTS has a staff of professional advisors, some of whom can provide services in English and in French. These advisors have ready access to professional and legal information. 3. Benefits to Associate Members Limitations The Society provides services to all members. However, due to the difference in jurisdictions, not all benefits available to public school teachers are applicable to associate members. The benefits, where a difference exists between the public school system and private schools, are listed below: 1) The Public Schools Act The Public Schools Act gives teachers the right to bargain, to due process in case of dismissal and to sick leave. The Public Schools Act does not apply to teachers in private schools or on Re- serves. The rights of these teachers are outlined respectively in the (Manitoba) Labour Relations Act or the Canada Labour Code. It should be noted that while the Canada Labour Code makes provisions for appeal in case of unjust dismissal, teachers are better served to include such procedures in their employment agreements. 2) Pensions The Teachers Pension Act applies only to public school teachers. It is unlikely that associate members will ever be included in this Act since the Government of Manitoba pays one-half of the cost. Therefore, associate members must make separate pension arrangements with their school boards. The Manitoba Teachers Society: Structure and Services 14

19 Part III: Summary of Services Although associate members cannot belong to the public school teachers pension plan (TRAF), reciprocal arrangements could be arranged between TRAF and other pension plans. (These agreements are usually rather expensive.) Where such arrangements exist, a teacher could transfer his/her pension from one plan to the other when changing employment. 3) Group Life Insurance These plans are arranged between MTS and the public school trustees organization (MSBA). However, before any public school teachers association can join, it must have the agreement of its own school board. There is nothing preventing a Band school from joining the plan, provided the following conditions are met: a) the administrative committee of the plan agrees, and b) the local school board agrees. 4) Disability Benefits Plan This plan is insured and administered by the Society and is a condition of membership for all active members. The plan is not available to associate members. 5) Education Finance The Manitoba Government s formula for education finance applies only to public schools and in some degree to private schools. Funding of education on Reserves comes from the Federal Government. Therefore, The Manitoba Teachers Society publications and research for funding of public schools does not apply to private schools or Reserve schools. 6) Workplace Safety and Health The Manitoba Workplace Safety and Health Act applies only to public schools and private schools. Federal schools and schools on Indian Reserves fall under the jurisdiction of Part IV of the Canada Labour Code. The provisions of the Federal Code are similar to those of the provincial legislation. The Manitoba Teachers Society: Structure and Services 15

20 Part IV: Economic Protection for Teachers 1. Pensions MTS takes an active role in the administration of Teachers Retirement Allowance Fund through representation on the TRAF Board. Members who are contemplating retirement are encouraged to attend a pre-retirement seminar offered jointly by TRAF, MTS and teachers associations. Contact your teachers association or MTS for dates and times of pre-retirement seminars. Members are also encouraged to visit the TRAF website (traf.mb.ca) or contact the TRAF offices at or Manitoba Public Schools Employees Group Life Insurance The Manitoba Public Schools Employees Group Life Insurance Plan offers a life insurance plan administered jointly by public school employees and school trustees. This plan is available only for participating employer units. 3. Manitoba Public School Employees Dental and Extended Health Insurance Plans The Manitoba Public School Employees Dental and Extended Health Insurance Plans provide dental and extended health insurance, on a tax advantageous basis, for the members of participating Associations and Divisions. The Plans are jointly administered by a trust between The Manitoba Teachers Society and the Manitoba School Boards Association. Teachers can get plan information on the MTS website or can contact their Association or the Society for further information. 4. MTS Optional Life Insurance Plan MTS provides a life insurance plan that MTS members can purchase voluntarily to supplement employment insurance plans. The Plan is administered by Mercer and additional plan information can be obtained from Mercer ( ) or by checking the MTS website. For complete information concerning any of these plans, contact The Manitoba Teachers Society at 191 Harcourt Street, Winnipeg, MB R3J 3H2; Phone: / ; Fax: / Disability Benefits Plan The MTS Disability Benefits Plan is dedicated to assisting members through periods of disability in a manner that will attempt to assure, in a consultative approach, maximum rehabilitation both medically and vocationally to assist the members, when possible, to return to work, while providing the disabled member with financial security at a cost that is reasonable to the premium-paying member. When covered members experience illness or injury on or off the job the plan is designed to assist with medical and vocational rehabilitation to ensure the earliest possible return to maximum functionality. Where an absence extends beyond 80 days or meets the qualifying criteria, the plan provides a reasonable level of income replacement during the period of disability while continuing to assist the claimant with rehabilitation. The Manitoba Teachers Society: Structure and Services 16

21 Part IV: Economic Protection for Teachers Plan participation is mandatory for all eligible employee groups. The premiums paid by covered members provide for the cost of rehabilitation expenses, income replacement, programs, and other benefits. For more information please contact: The Manitoba Teachers Society Disability Plan offices at , or fax Deferred Salary Leave Plans The Society provides a Deferred Salary Leave Plan for participating Associations. More information can be obtained on the MTS website or by contacting the Society. The Manitoba Teachers Society: Structure and Services 17

22 Appendix A MTS Policy Handbook (Bylaw X) Membership, Membership Year, Services and Fees X. MEMBERSHIP (1) Members shall have the rights, privileges and benefits, and be subject to the liabilities and restrictions set out in the bylaws and policies of the Society. X.1 MEMBER RIGHTS, RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCESS TO SOCIETY SERVICES Any member involved in a complaints procedure may consult a staff officer. (1) The Code of Professional Practice shall apply to all active, associate and student members in good standing. (2) Subject to Bylaws II. (4), III.B.1 (a) and (b) and this bylaw, all active and associate members in good standing shall be entitled to: (i) nominate other active or associate members in good standing to run for, or themselves run for, Provincial Executive; (ii) be a representative to the annual general meeting of Provincial Council; (iii) coverage under the Society s liability insurance policy while carrying out any Society related activities during their employment within the Manitoba public school system; (iv) all services, including legal services, normally provided in accordance with the Society s policies, as may be amended from time to time. (3) All other active or associate members in good standing, including those who have previously retired from a school division and who are in receipt of a pension pursuant to The Teachers Pension Act shall only be entitled to: (i) be members of any Special Area Group of Educators; (ii) a copy of the Society s annual Handbook and other publications, such as the Manitoba Teacher, as determined by the Provincial Executive; and (iii) coverage by the Society s liability insurance policy while carrying out any Society related activities during their employment within the Manitoba public school system. (iv) legal services normally provided to members in accordance with any obligation the Society or its locals may have to represent the member in relation to the administration of any applicable collective agreement. (4) All student members in good standing shall be entitled to: (i) be members of any Special Area Group of Educators; (ii) a copy of the Society s annual Handbook and other publications, such as the Manitoba Teacher, as determined by the Provincial Executive; and (iii) coverage by the Society s liability insurance policy while carrying out any Society related activities during their school practicum within Manitoba. (5) All life members and honourary members shall receive publications or other information, as determined by the Provincial Executive. (Revised 2013) X.2 MEMBERSHIP YEAR AND FEES (1) The membership year shall be from the first day of July to the thirtieth day of June next ensuing. (2) For all members, except life members, honorary members, associate members in good standing who have retired from a school division and are in receipt of a pension pursuant to The Teachers Pension Act and student members in good standing, it shall be a condition of membership in The Manitoba The Manitoba Teachers Society: Structure and Services 18

23 Appendix A Teachers' Society and in a division association and local association of The Manitoba Teachers' Society that every person who is a member pay all premiums of insurance in respect of any scheme or program of insurance that The Manitoba Teachers' Society undertakes and operates as an insurer, including any scheme or program of insurance wherein The Manitoba Teachers' Society enters into a contract with an insurer to insure all or part of its liability under the scheme or program of insurance. (3) Any insurance premium payable by a member shall be part of the annual membership fee to The Manitoba Teachers' Society. (4) The scale of membership fees, including any insurance premiums where applicable, for active, associate and student members in good standing of The Manitoba Teachers' Society shall be set annually by resolution of the annual meeting of the Provincial Council, and in addition, for administrators the annual fee approved at the annual general meeting of the Council of School Leaders (COSL). (5) No division association or local association of The Manitoba Teachers' Society shall adopt any bylaw or pass any resolution, or amend its constitution in order to permit the division association or local association, or any member thereof, to withdraw from and/or opt out of any scheme or program of insurance undertaken or operated by The Manitoba Teachers' Society, including any scheme or program of insurance wherein The Manitoba Teachers' Society enters into a contract with an insurer to insure all or part of its liability under the scheme or program of insurance. (6) Notwithstanding sections (2) and (5), those members of The Manitoba Teachers' Society who remain eligible for a disability allowance under Section 19 or 20 of the Teachers' Pension Act of Manitoba, and those members who elected not to accept coverage during an open enrolment period or who declined coverage after December 31, 1980 shall not be covered under any scheme or program for long term disability and shall not be required to pay premiums for any scheme or program for long term disability which The Manitoba Teachers' Society undertakes and operates as an insurer to insure all or part of its liability under the scheme or program. (7) Notwithstanding Sections (2) and (5), the Provincial Executive of The Manitoba Teachers' Society may, in writing, permit any division association or local association, or any active member of The Manitoba Teachers' Society to withdraw from and/or opt out of any scheme or program of long term disability insurance undertaken or operated by The Manitoba Teachers' Society as an insurer, or wherein The Manitoba Teachers' Society enters into a contract with an insurer to insure all or part of its liability under the scheme or program. (8) Notwithstanding Sections (2) and (5) above, any person who is a member shall be subject to all the terms and conditions of any plan document or policy of insurance governing any scheme or program of insurance that The Manitoba Teachers' Society undertakes and operates as an insurer, including any scheme or program of insurance wherein The Manitoba Teachers' Society enters into a contract with an insurer to insure all or part of its liability under the scheme or program of insurance. Such terms and conditions shall include, but shall not be limited to, issues of eligibility for coverage, late entry into the scheme or program of insurance and other plan document or policy provisions that may restrict or otherwise limit available coverage. (Revised 2008) The Manitoba Teachers Society: Structure and Services 19

24 Appendix B MTS Policy Handbook: The Society s Code of Professional Practice The Code of Professional Practice establishes the required standards of conduct for all members of The Manitoba Teachers Society, whether acting in an employed position under a Collective Agreement, or acting in an appointed or elected position. A member s professional behaviour must reflect the spirit as well as the letter of the Code A member s first professional responsibility is to her or his students. 2. A member acts with integrity and diligence in carrying out professional responsibilities. 3. A member avoids involvement in a conflict of interest, recognizes that a privileged relationship with students exists and refrains from exploiting that relationship for material, ideological or other advantage. 4. A member s conduct is characterised by consideration and good faith. She or he speaks and acts with respect and dignity, and deals judiciously with others, always mindful of their rights. 5. A member respects the confidential nature of information concerning students and may give the information only to authorized personnel or agencies directly concerned with the individual student s welfare. 6. A member first directs any criticism of the professional activity and related work of a colleague to that colleague in private. Only after informing the colleague of the intent to do so, the complainant may direct in confidence the criticism to appropriate officials through the proper channels of communication. A member shall not be considered in contravention of this section in the following circumstances: a) consulting with the Society or the president of the member s local association; b) taking any action that is allowed or mandated by legislation. c) where the member is acting in good faith and without malice in the discharge of the legitimate duties of his or her appointed or elected position. 7. A member does not bypass immediate authority to reach higher authority without first exhausting the proper channels of communication. 8. A member makes an ongoing effort to improve professionally. 9. A member adheres to collective agreements negotiated by the professional organization 10. A member or group of members makes only authorized representations to outside bodies on behalf of the Society or its local associations. Without the express permission of the Society, no member(s) conferring with outside bodies may explicitly or implicitly claim that they represent the Society or its local associations. 1 Violations of the Code shall be addressed through application of the Bylaws (Revised 2012) The Manitoba Teachers Society: Structure and Services 20

25 Appendix C MTS Policy Handbook: Teachers Bill of Rights 1. A teacher is entitled to be a member of, participate in the work of, and be represented by the Manitoba Teachers Society. 2. A teacher is entitled to teach and be protected under provisions outlined in the collective agreement. 3. A teacher is entitled to have consultation and due process with respect to all matters relating to contractual relationships. 4. A teacher is entitled to be directly involved in all professional decisions including the determination of the criteria for performance evaluation. 5. A teacher is entitled to work in a healthful and safe environment. 6. A teacher is entitled to maintain a reasonable standard of discipline. 7. A teacher is entitled to organize learning activities without unwarranted interference. (Revised 2007) The Manitoba Teachers Society: Structure and Services 21