Classified members flex their power at CFT conference in San Francisco
The annual Classified Council of Employees Conference took place last weekend in San Francisco. CFT classified leaders and activists from throughout the state gathered under the conference theme, “Flexing Our Power – Protecting Our Progress,” to connect, plan and strategize about the work ahead.
During the conference local leaders shared how they were able to pull off some impressive victories over the past year, including a six-figure settlement for employee overtime, paraeducators getting a living wage, and bilingual employees’ checks reflecting their expertise. They also got a chance to take part in a variety of skill-building workshops and to hear from elected officials.
Thanks to all who took part in the conference and especially those who worked so hard to make the conference a success! Check out this great write up, and watch and share this video of the conference highlights.
AFT 2121 faculty and SEIU 1021 classified staff rally for new contracts
Last week hundreds of members of AFT Local 2121 and their classified co-workers represented by SEIU 1021 were joined by CFT President Jeff Freitas at a boisterous rally to demand new contracts from City College of San Francisco.
Faculty at CCSF have gone two years without a contract, seen hundreds of layoffs and job cuts, and taken pay cuts. Now, with district finances rebounding, AFT 2121 members are demanding the district restore classes and raise salaries to recruit and retain faculty.
As reported in the SF Examiner, severe understaffing now threatens the future of the school. Prior to this fall semester, nearly 4,000 students were waitlisted for classes, with the nursing program seeing an enrollment drop of more than 30% due to understaffing.
AFT 2121 members stood side by side with SEIU 1021 members at the rally. 94% of the classified staff voted last week to authorize a strike because of their stalled negotiations. AFT 2121 members are now circulating a strike position as well.
For more, check out this article from Mission Local.
Celebrating Native American Heritage Month
November is Native American Heritage Month, a great opportunity to learn and share history, and the present day contributions of Native peoples. Check out these resources curated by CFT to recognize Native American Heritage Month at school and in the classroom.
At the AFT Convention last year, delages passed AFT’s first-ever resolution on Native American/Indigenous issues, calling on the U.S. government to establish a truth and reconciliation commission for Native Americans. Following the resolution, AFT President Randi Weingarten directed the creation of a Native American/Indigenous Issues AFT Task Force, which met for the first time last month in advance of the National American Indian Education (NIEA) conference.
Online AFT Student Debt Clinic – November 29
The AFT will offer a free student debt clinic for all CFT members on Wednesday, November 29 from 3:30-5:00 p.m. This informative clinic familiarizes members with two programs – income-driven repayment and Public Service Loan Forgiveness – that work together to help reduce monthly payments and lead to loan forgiveness after 10 years of those payments. Join us to learn more about these programs and how to apply for them! Register here.
CFT History Webinar – November 20
All CFT members are welcome at our Monday, November 20 webinar, titled “CFT History: A guide to the present.” Where did the CFT come from? What were the issues that motivated its founders and leaders down through the years? At what points did CFT lead coalitions to major educational and political reforms in California? And why do these things matter today? A lecture / slideshow will address these questions and more, and demonstrate materials that can be used to bring CFT history to rank and file members. The webinar will take place from 3:30-5:00 p.m. Register here.
In Solidarity
Fresno teachers settle contract. Less than 24 hours before they were set to strike, teachers in Fresno settled a contract that is a huge win for their members and their students. The agreement includes class size reductions, competitive salaries, and a comprehensive guideline for special education caseloads. Congratulations to all the Fresno teachers who organized to win the historic contract!
Portland teachers on strike! Solidarity with striking teachers in Portland, who started walking the picket line this Wednesday fighting over issues that all of us can understand – reducing class sizes, raising wages that haven’t kept up with inflation, and more resources for their classrooms. For the latest on the strike, and to offer your support, follow the Portland Association of Teachers on X (formerly Twitter).
