Frequently Asked Questions

Q To what Union do I belong?

A You are a member of the following organizations that represent your employment related interests with your employer and with the State and Federal governments:

§ Elmbrook Education Association (EEA)

§ TriWauk UniServ Council (TUC)

§ Wisconsin Education Association Council (WEAC)

§ National Education Association (NEA)

Q What is a Union?

A A Union is a group of individuals who join together to form an organization that represents them regarding work and employment issues. Your local Union is as strong as you make it. There are many ways to have a voice in your Union, beyond voting for officers and voting on contracts. YOU ARE THE UNION!

Q How can I get involved in my Union?

A Contact your building representative or ask your EEA co-presidents how you can get involved. Every member should contribute to the success of the Union.

Q What does my Union do for me?

A Local officers, in conjunction with TriWauk UniServ, provide the following services:

$ Negotiations of the Master Agreement

$ Contract Maintenance Assistance, including Writing the Grievance

$ Arbitration Assistance

$ Non-Renewal, Dismissal, and Legal Rights

$ Family and Medical Leave Questions and Appeals

$ Training for Member Representation

$ Representation/Consultation for Hearings

$ Representation during Lay-offs

$ Information on Bills in Legislature

$ PR Committee Training

$ Office Printing Services

$ Building Representative Training

$ Information and Referral to NEA and WEAC Resources, including Legal Referrals

$ Internal/External PR

$ Unemployment Claims

Q What /Who is TriWauk UniServ?

A Short-hand for TriWauk Unified Services, the TUC is one of 33 regional groups of local associations throughout the state. Three local associations—Elmbrook, Menomonee Falls, and Waukesha—have proportional representation on the TriWauk Board of Directors. The Board of Directors directs two staff persons— Ellen MacFarlane, TUC UniServ Executive Director, and Carol Bauer, TUC Staff Assistant. TriWauk represents approximately 1900 members and has one (1) representative on the WEAC Board of Directors. The goal is to provide each local with ideas, information, training, consultation, and representation. UniServ staff people are more than providers of services. They are also organizers whose job it is to mobilize members into action to solve problems or to increase the strength of the United Education Profession.