Thread: lay-offs

School districts are required to notify teachers and other certificated staff on or before March 15 if they are to be laid-off. Members of the California Teachers Association will probably receive guidance prior to receiving any such notice, but if not, should contact their local chapter immediately. The time limits in a Reduction in Force ("RIF," lay-off). Non-CTA members are entitled to have legal representation but must locate a lawyer knowledgable in Education Code law and pay for that lawyer's services.

Sections 44949 and 44955 of the Education Code contain information about lay-offs. Sections 44956 and following contain additional rules and regulations including rehire rights.

The law in this area is complicated, involving not only the Education Code but also the Government Code and case law (legal precedent). I strongly advise you to seek legal counsel if you receive a lay-off notice.

During the 23 months from December 2007 through October 2009, the total number of mass layoff events was 49,357, and the number of initial claims filed in those events was 5,021,824.