The United Federation of Teachers

ARTICLE EIGHTEEN

Feb 1, 2007 11:47 AM

PROFESSIONAL CONCILIATION

  1. A social worker or psychologist who wishes to conciliate a professional difference concerning a policy/procedure related to locally devised student testing procedures and appraisal methodology of a Committee on Special Education (CSE), a Clinical Service Unit (CSU), Citywide Special Education (CSE), or a Superintendent shall refer to the School Social Workers and School Psychologists Chapter for review. If appropriate, the Chapter will forward it to the appropriate Board official. If the issue is addressed by the appropriate Board official, it should be resolved within ten school days. If the issue is not addressed at the end of that period, or if the appropriate Board official elects not to address the issue, the Union representative may refer the issue for conciliation to the UFT Coordinator and the conciliation process will be implemented by the Board Coordinator assigning a Conciliator, who will initiate the conciliation process with the Union representative and the appropriate Board official.
  2. After a decision to proceed with conciliation has been made the Board Coordinator will assign a Conciliator within five school days. The Conciliator will initiate the conciliation process within ten days with the Union representative and the superintendent. This stage of the conciliation process is expected to be completed within a month unless the participants, including the Conciliator, believe it beneficial to continue the process.
  3. At the conclusion of the conciliation:

a. If a resolution is reached, the Conciliator will prepare an agreement for both parties to confirm and sign. It is understood that for any agreement that requires a waiver of a policy adopted by a community school board, the superintendent would be expected to seek the waiver. It is expected that both parties will adhere in good faith to the agreement.

b. If there is no resolution, the Conciliator will send letters to the parties and the board and Union Coordinators confirming termination of the conciliation process.

This process is designed to facilitate the resolution of professional differences, but is non-binding and not subject to the grievance process. This shall not preclude grievances on matters otherwise covered by this agreement.