DFT wins grievance over maternity leave

The DFT scored a major victory April 13 when an arbitrator ruled that teachers are entitled to take up to a one-year personal business leave of absence to care for a newborn or newly adopted child.

The arbitrator also ruled that upon expiration of the leave, a teacher “who so requests” is entitled to return to the assignment she had before she took the leave.   

The ruling by arbitrator Barry Goldman upholds language in the DFT contract that has been virtually unchanged for nearly 30 years. It was not until 2004 that the district arbitrarily changed its policy and began denying such leaves.

The successful fight against the district was led by DFT Executive Vice President Virginia Cantrell. “This ruling is important because it lays to rest the job-related concerns of mothers who choose to remain home for up to a year,” Cantrell said. “We fought to get this policy included in our contract because we know how important it is for mothers and children to be able to bond with each other. Those early months have a lasting impact on a child.”

DFT President Janna K. Garrison praised Cantrell's tenacity and hard work on behalf of DFT members.

"Virginia was bound and determined to protect our members and to uphold the contract," Garrison said. "She

left no stone unturned in her quest for evidence to support the union."

Cantrell learned about the leave of absence problems in October 2005 and wasted no time filing for an expedited arbitration. With the help of current and former DFT staff members, Cantrell uncovered a trove of supporting documentation, some going back more than 20 years. She also collected leave-of-absence policies from surrounding school districts, and she marshaled an impressive array of witnesses, including former DFT President Mary Ellen Riordan. The arbitration hearings were concluded in February, and the ruling was released in April.

Although the successful grievance was filed on behalf of six DFT members who were denied leaves in 2005, it applies to all eligible DFT members.

Reminder:

DFT members who are eligible for personal business/maternity leaves are urged to make the request in writing and mail it to Perrie Johnson, interim director of DPS Office of Benefits, Albert Kahn Building, 4^th Floor, 7430 Second Avenue, Detroit 48202. Send a copy of the request to Virginia Cantrell at 2875 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit 48202.

If the request is denied, send Cantrell a copy of the denial letter. posted 5/04/06