Teachers: You do not need to meet with your local union rep to opt-out this week

Update: one teacher was told that the local could make up its own opt-out dates: that is false.

Minnesota teachers who are choosing to exercise their First Amendment rights and resign from union membership are being told they need to meet with their local union official before they can opt-out.

This meeting is not required under the law, teaching contract, or under the union membership card; it is either a harassing tactic or maybe the local rep genuinely thinks a meeting is required, or just hopes to change your mind. Your decision to opt-out is a private decision, and you are under no obligation to meet with anyone to discuss your decision.

There is nothing the union can do if you resign without a meeting. If the union persists and does not acknowledge your resignation letter, please let us know.

If you follow these instructions, your resignation should be effective October 1. Just be sure to resign during the 7-day window this week; to avoid arguments with the union, get your letter to Education Minnesota postmarked by Saturday the 29th, and email the letter to the state union, the local rep and your employer so you have a dated receipt. It seems like a lot of steps, but it should be an effective resignation.

Be sure to buy a liability policy—a good idea for any professional. All your other important benefits like pension and healthcare come from your employer, not the union. And as long as the union is the exclusive rep at your school, you will be covered by the union contract. You cannot be treated differently by your employer or your union. It is the law.