Sept-Oct 2021
Volume 75, Issue 1

Index

ALL-UNION NEWS

CFT president with Salinas Valley Federation members

Back-to-School Tour puts staff shortage in stark perspective

By Jeffery M. Freitas, CFT President

We anticipated questions about safety, but everywhere we went we heard another refrain: There aren’t enough staff — teachers, librarians, custodians, bus drivers, faculty, counselors, and substitute teachers — to serve the needs of students and school communities.

the governor's office with bronze bear outside

Four CFT bills land on governor’s desk — send letters now

The CFT sent four bills to the governor’s desk during this legislative session. Governor Newsom has until October 10 to sign the bills — please urge the governor to sign the CFT bills!

Monterey Bay members with No on the Recall signs

Labor’s all-out effort helps defeat Newsom recall

The CFT and its allies kicked into high gear and voters responded, sending the attempted recall to resounding defeat with a 63% “No” vote — a nearly two-to-one margin. CFT members were on the front lines!


PREK-12 SCHOOLS

Teacher with students and words FAQ Return to School

Answers to common questions about return to in-person

Now that California schools have returned to in-person classes, teachers and staff on campuses up and down the state are learning to navigate a new phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. Find answers to our most common questions.


CLASSIFIED

Members of the Lawndale Federation of Classified Employees

Classified feel the love during Back-to-School Tour

Dozens of classified employees and paraeducators welcomed the opportunity to meet one-on-one with CFT leaders during the tour and said the personal outreach provided welcome support and encouragement for their safe return to campus.


COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Auto mechanics students sitting outside waiting for class to begin

What’s on everyone’s mind? The return to in-person

Most faculty members and students have been teaching and learning online for more than 18 months due to COVID-19. Many planned to go back to their campus this fall, but then the delta variant emerged. So what are the community colleges doing now?


UNIVERSITY

Mia McIver of Team UC-AFT

Back to the classroom, but no contract

UC-AFT’s negotiating team has met with the university team on 50 occasions, yet the four most fundamental issues are still outstanding — high turnover rates, lack of performance reviews, widespread uncompensated labor, and compensation itself. Bargaining has taken on additional importance with the nine-campus system resuming in-person instruction.


RETIRED

Kate Disney, West Valley-Mission Federation of Teachers

You can help start an AFT retiree chapter!

Building a retiree chapter takes time, but it always starts with a handful of dedicated people. Kate Disney envisions an outward-facing retiree chapter with a political stance, and has set her sights on electing more faculty-friendly college governing board members.


YOUR UNION IN ACTION

Raoul Teilhet Scholarships

CFT surpasses $2 million in scholarships awarded

With great pride, the CFT announces the union has now awarded more than $2 million to children of members through our Raoul Teilhet Scholarship program. Support for college tuition has never been more important. Children or dependents of CFT members in good standing are eligible for $3000 or $1000 scholarships. High school seniors may apply now; the deadline is December 15.


Armenian Genocide memorial in Armenia

Teaching resources about the Armenian Genocide

This spring the Civil, Human, and Women’s Rights Committee brought a resolution before the CFT Convention calling for the state federation to formally recognize the Armenian Genocide and commit to sharing resources for teaching about it in the classroom.


salary negotiations

Community college faculty salary studies released

Find our annual salary comparisons for full-time and part-time faculty.


ICYMI - In Case You Missed It