Legal Services
MEA members receive legal protection from matters arising out of their education employment. MEA employs several full-time attorneys and also retains prestigious law firms to help protect members’ legal rights. MEA’s legal work helps members in the following areas: wage and hour laws; unfair labor practices; layoff and recall; retirement; fringe benefits; unemployment compensation; education funding; negotiations; discrimination; health and safety; civil rights; and contract enforcement.
Need legal assistance? Contact your MEA UniServ Director.
Legal Services News
After threats and abuse, Rochester band teacher rebuts school board trustee’s claims
Amy Rever-Oberle When MEA member Amy Rever-Oberle experienced a mishap on a field trip with 150 sixth-grade band students and 30 adult chaperones from Rochester Community Schools, she handled it, got everyone back to school early, and let administration know what happened. Over the next few days, the principal responded to a few parent questions, and life moved on. But…
MEA Help Carries Member Through Twists and Turns
Engagement * Bargaining * Advocacy * Justice * Empowerment * Support by Brenda Ortega MEA Voice Editor MEA member Carolyn Matzinger had no idea the union could help her make a case for disability retirement benefits after a progressive illness made it dangerous for her to return to her Petoskey classroom. For two years she had received some long-term disability…
A Big Bold Thanks to the Mighty MEA
Engagement * Bargaining * Advocacy * Justice * Empowerment * Support by Carolyn Matzinger, MEA‑Retired Let me say with full-throated enthusiasm thank you, thank you, thank you for all of the support the MEA gave me to prevail against an unjust decision about my qualifications for non-duty disability retirement due to my Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL). My case was an outlier…
Let local MEA offices know about issues with ‘hazard pay’ grant check shortages
MEA members are currently receiving checks from the state for the MI Classroom Heroes grants of up to $500 for teachers or $250 for ancillary and support staff. Otherwise known as ‘hazard pay’ checks, this is the first round of payments based on legislation passed last year. MEA advocated with the Legislature for equity in these payments for all school…
Decision on appealing latest loss in 3% interest suit
On October 15, the Michigan Court of Appeals ruled against MEA and our union allies in our fight for extra interest in the 3% case. After receiving that decision, MEA had to determine whether or not to file a request for leave to appeal the decision to the Michigan Supreme Court. This was done in consultation with outside counsel using the…
Your guide to “hazard pay” grants – applications due Dec. 4
Applications to get the “hazard pay” grant payments enacted by the Legislature will be coming from school districts to members by Nov. 9. School employees need to turn in that form to their district by Dec. 4 in order to receive these grants – up to $500 or $250 depending on your employment category. MEA advocated for parity in the…
Appeals Court Denies Interest in 3% Case
The Michigan Court of Appeals has ruled that school employees who had 3 percent of their salary illegally withheld by the state from 2010-12 are not entitled to be paid additional interest on the money. The decision is the latest twist in a long-running legal saga that grew out of the 3 percent case, which public education employees won in…
With MEA Help, Injured Teacher Wins Long and Tough Battle for Benefits
By Brenda Ortega MEA Voice Editor LIKE MANY educators, Jennifer Gougeon-Catarino has always been a planner—independent and efficient at getting things done. A teacher friend once called her “Polly Positive” for her go-getter spirit. “I was productive, and I was in control,” she said. “I thought I had my whole life planned out. Then this happened.” Four years ago, standing in the open…