CFT-sponsored AB 938 would raise funding for TK-12 to support bargaining efforts to increase salaries by 50%
Last week Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi introduced a bill in the state legislature with a goal to provide districts with increased funding for both certificated and classified TK-12 school salaries by 50% over the next seven years. The ambitious plan, sponsored by CFT, comes as school districts across the state are reeling from staffing shortages and high turnover.
According to CFT President Jeff Freitas, it is well past time for the state of California to act. “The state of California simply can’t kick the responsibility of addressing the staffing crisis in our schools to the districts,” he said. “We are calling on our elected leaders in Sacramento to have the courage to face the crisis. You can’t have great public schools if you pay poverty wages.”
Next week CFT members from throughout the state will gather in Sacramento to urge lawmakers on the Assembly Education Committee to support AB 938 and other key legislation supported by CFT.
UTLA reaches groundbreaking agreement for 21% raise
This week United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA) settled another groundbreaking contract, coming to a tentative agreement on a deal that will provide a 21% wage increase over three years, smaller class sizes, and more support for special education and students and their families.
The stellar settlement comes as UTLA members, parents, and community members came together around UTLA’s Beyond Recovery platform.
“The best part is: Parents, students and the community have had a voice from the beginning,” said union bargaining co-chair Arlene Inouye in the LA Times. “They shared with us what they needed and wanted. And this contract reflects so many aspects of what we heard.”
Congratulations on the incredible organizing victory!
AB 811 clears Assembly Higher Education Committee
This week the Assembly Higher Education Committee voted to support AB 811 (Fong), a bill that updates a harsh, punitive policy that prohibits community college students from repeating courses.
Sponsored by CFT, AB 811 would raise the repeatability cap (the number of times a student can repeat a completed course, for example for job training), from one to three. Additionally, it raises from three to five the number of times a student can repeat a course they weren’t able to complete for reasons like illness, pregnancy, getting a new job, or struggling with material. The community college mission historically included access for all learners at various life stages. AB 811 helps ensure a community college system that is once again for the community, providing increased access to all students.
“AB 811 provides adequate opportunity for students to pass classes and overcome an under-resourced K-12 education that creates barriers instead of bridges to higher education,” said Belinda Lum from Los Rios College Federation of Teachers, who testified at the hearing for the bill. “This lets students have more chances to navigate the external struggles of life when their family gets sick, or their job hours change, or childcare becomes an issue and classes fall to the wayside — and get back on track.”
Alliant International University Faculty Union rallies for a fair contract
This week members from the Alliant International University Faculty Union rallied at three campuses statewide for a new contract. Chief amongst their issues are a salary increase and reductions in class sizes. The faculty hope their efforts will result in more transparency and consistency in how faculty are paid at the university.
Sign the petition: Confirm Julie Su as Secretary of the Department of Labor
Former California Labor Secretary Julie Su has made a career out of representing not only workers, but the most vulnerable workers in America.
Her record speaks for itself. As a young attorney representing trafficked Thai garment workers outside of Los Angeles, she won $4 million in stolen wages. Her case set a huge precedent, and that was just the beginning of a storied career.
But well-heeled lobbyists and corporate special interests are spending big to block Su’s confirmation.
Please take a moment to sign this petition. Julie Su is exactly who we need to lead the Department of Labor.
