Ballots mailed next week as November election campaign hits full swing
With so much at stake this November election, it is more important than ever for educators and classified professionals to stand up for our schools and our communities. At every level of government, from local school boards to the president of the United States, we have the opportunity to elect candidates who support our public schools and working people.
Three things you can do to ensure victory this November:
Vote: Ballots will be mailed throughout California starting Monday. Before you vote, make sure to review CFT’s Educators Choice Voter Guide for a comprehensive list of candidates and measures supported by CFT and our local unions.
Volunteer: Join CFT members and our union siblings from throughout the state by reaching out to voters in your community, in critical congressional districts in California, and over the phone to voters in battleground states with our fellow AFT members. First up is a statewide phonebank next Thursday, October 10 at 5:30 p.m., when CFT members will join our union siblings to call fellow union voters in key California congressional districts. (RSVP here.) More details on additional volunteer opportunities here.
Organize: Don’t just volunteer by yourself. Reach out to your colleagues and bring them along! There is so much at stake not only for our schools, but for our students, and even for our jobs. Together we can make a difference, and we all can contribute.
Pictured above, Berkeley Federation of Teachers members get ready to talk to their neighbors in support of Jen Corn and Ana Vasudeo for BUSD school board.
Cerritos College Faculty Federation win healthcare for part-time faculty
Congratulations to the Cerritos College Faculty Federation, AFT Local 6215, who earlier this month became the latest CFT local union to win healthcare for part-time faculty. The new agreement provides healthcare to all part-time faculty working a 40% load starting next semester, with the district set to receive full reimbursement from the state. Two years ago CFT was successful in leading the charge to pass AB 190, which now provides $200 million in ongoing funding for part-time faculty healthcare at California’s community colleges.
Dozens of part-time faculty members and their families in AFT Local 6215 will now have healthcare coverage, which we know from our previous victories throughout the state can transform lives.
The new agreement at AFT Local 6215, which was ratified with a 97% yes vote from the membership, also includes a wage increase, and strengthened due process and intellectual property rights.
Nice work everyone!
Governor Newsom signs AB 2245 – Permanent employment status for ROCP CTE instructors
Great news! Last week Governor Newsom signed Assembly Bill 2245 (Carillo), which will help bring parity to Career Technical Education (CTE) instructors employed at Regional Occupational Centers and Programs (ROCPs) operated by a single school district by ensuring they are able to obtain permanent employee status, like other educators in California.
Thanks to the over 400 CFT members who sent letters to Governor Newsom, urging him to sign the bill. Your efforts helped make sure the governor understood why CTE instructors deserved permanent status.
Unfortunately, it was a mixed bag from Governor Newsom on other CFT-sponsored and supported legislation this year. Details here on some of the biggest bills, with a longer legislative report here.
Free Covid tests now available from the USPS
Residential households in the U.S. are now eligible to order four free at-home tests from the U.S. Postal Service, free shipping included. Order here.
In Solidarity:
Over 100 Amazon warehouse workers at the company's DCK6 warehouse in San Francisco have joined the Teamsters – The workers are demanding that Amazon recognize their union and negotiate a contract. "Amazon workers at DCK6 handle thousands of packages every day. We are essential to making sure that parents receive their baby formula on time and families get their gifts by the holidays," said Jocelyn Vargas, an Amazon DCK6 warehouse worker in a statement. "We need good pay and benefits to take care of our families too. That's why we formed a union with the Teamsters. We are essential workers, and it's time Amazon treats us that way."
Rallies for AFSCME 3299 workers Oct. 9 – Join UC workers represented by AFSCME 3299 for a system-wide informational picket next Wednesday at all ten UC campuses. AFSCME-represented service and patient care workers have negotiated in good faith for new contracts that can meet their most basic needs, while honoring their commitment to the institution. UC has been utterly tone deaf to worker concerns. Now contracts are expiring, and they are at impasse. Rally details here.
