Get the facts:  Surplus vs. RIF

In this most difficult time, we want all of our members to be clear about their contractual rights. We continue to fight for no layoffs. However, should this occur, here is some critical general information to know:

What is SURPLUS?

• Surplus language is exclusive to instructional personnel.
• It is when an employee’s assignment is no longer funded at their work location due to a reduction in allocation.
• The teacher continues their employment with the district and maintains all of their benefits.
• The least senior teacher in the impacted subject area/program at their worksite is assigned to a different work location.
• If you feel that the surplus was not handled appropriately, please contact the UTD office immediately.
• The surplus language is in your contract beginning on page 27.

What is RIF (Reduction in Force)?

• RIF language is also exclusive to instructional personnel.
• It means a teacher is laid off and may be entitled to unemployment compensation.
• Teachers in layoff will be placed in a recall pool and will be returned to open positions when they become available in inverse seniority (most senior first).

What is Layoff and Recall for Non-Instructional Personnel? 

• Clerical, Paraprofessional and School Support Personnel who are laid off will be notified in writing.
• The effective date of the layoff will be no less than 10 days after receipt of notification.
• During the 10-day window all efforts will be made to place the employee in a position for which they are qualified.
• If no position is found, employees will be placed in a recall pool.
• No new personnel will be employed until all available, qualified and willing recall pool employees have been exhausted.
• Recall is done by seniority – the total number of years as a full-time employee in any position.

What is the union’s position on the extension of DROP?

• It is the Superintendent’s prerogative exclusively whether or not to extend DROP.
• UTD is willing to engage in conversations with the district as to how this could occur so long as no current employee would be laid off as a result of such an extension.
• Rehires will be treated fairly and equitably.

Please contact UTD staff at 305 854 0220 for questions or concerns.