There are only 2 reasons classified employees can be laid off: "lack of work" and "lack of funds."
If you are laid off, the district is required by law to give you 45 days notice. The law also mandates that layoffs occur by seniority within a single classification on a district-wide basis. In most cases, the last hired is the first laid off within a classification. Our contract determines seniority by date of hire.
If the district eliminates positions and lays off employees, it may try to shift their duties to other employees. However, there are restrictions that govern what the employer can do as far as transferring duties to other employees. If you are asked to take on the work of a laid-off employee, talk to a BCCE representative immediately.
Districts are prohibited from laying off a classified employee whenever a short-term employee is doing work that the classified employee is qualified to do. However, this law does not apply to short-term workers hired for 45 days or less (their short-term service cannot be extended or renewed).
This tip sheet should help answer most of your questions about layoffs and your reemployment rights. If you still have questions after reading this tip sheet, read Article 14 Layoffs of our contract or contact a union representative.
