Ask Linda: What About Jury Duty?

Dear Wondering:
The language in Article XII, Section 18.3, of the UTLA-LAUSD contract is quite clear, but unfortunately, the language was crafted during a time when most schools still ran on a traditional schedule. Initially, bargaining unit members were required to seek a deferment of jury duty until either vacation time or off-track time. That way, both the District and UTLA understood that if jury duty was still required even after the member tried to defer it, the member could qualify for a paid absence.

According to UTLA Executive Assistant to the President Sam Kresner, if a deferment is requested but denied and the teacher must serve, a letter should be sent to the local school administrator requesting pay for the period of jury duty. Kresner does not believe this payment applies to the one day that potential jurors have to report to the court for possible assignment.

The contract also says that if your jury duty begins during your off-track or vacation time but then extends into your on-track time, the District will pay you for up to 20 working days.

Regardless, the contract language on jury duty is still too vague, and UTLA should make sure that the House of Representatives includes updated language in the next negotiations.

Send your questions to: Ask Linda, UNITED TEACHER, 3303 Wilshire Blvd., 10th Fl., Los Angeles, CA 90010; by fax to (213) 487-3319; by e-mail to UTLAnewspaper@utla.net.  Linda Guthrie, the author, is the UTLA Secondary Vice President.