Membership

Since our inception, GESSA has worked to protect the fundamental rights of Grandville Public Schools (GPS) support staff, helping ensure you are treated respectfully, fairly, and with dignity. Through collective action and bargaining, we are dedicated to helping you achieve your employment goals and supporting your workplace needs.

GESSA is the local bargaining unit that represents GPS support staff working in transportation, maintenance & operations, security, and library positions. GESSA is represented by the MEA under state labor law, and membership is unified across the local, state, and national levels, so joining GESSA means you’re also joining the MEA, the NEA, and the KCEA. 

If you would like to become a member of GESSA or have questions, please message us and a board member will reach out to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some reasons to become a member of GESSA?

A Sense of Belonging: We protect, advocate, and advance the rights of GPS support staff to promote a quality education for our students. We can only do that together; membership is important to all of us — and it’s valuable to you.

Collective Bargaining and Action: Being part of a labor association provides us a voice in our careers, as well as protections against decisions that could harm our ability to do our jobs. MEA’s local UniServ directors help GESSA bargain and maintain fair contracts with our employers, including better pay, benefits, and working conditions. 

Legal Protection and Liability Insurance: MEA employs several full-time attorneys and retains prestigious law firms to help protect our legal rights in matters arising out of our employment. In addition, MEA provides members with $1 million in professional liability insurance to protect us from workplace civil and criminal claims.

Professional Development and Advancement: GESSA members have access to MEA's high-quality programs needed to maintain and improve our job skills, including online professional development, certification guidance, and numerous conferences and trainings. 

What if I'm interested in joining GESSA but don't work in transportation, maintenance & operations, security, or library?

If you work in a school employee group not represented by GESSA but are interested in organizing, please call the MEA at 800-292-1934 and ask for Organizing Consultant Danielle Baranowski.