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AFT 2121 Reaches Tentative Agreement
At 1 A.M. this morning, December 1, 2023, the AFT 2121 bargaining team finally reached an agreement. While the TA doesn’t include all of the members' original asks, huge strides have been made.
Some of the notable items in the contract include a three year contract with compounded raises of 14.5%, retroactive back pay to July 1, 2023 to reflect the 9% increase (a lump sum back payment), and full restoration of salary cuts from 2021. To read the rest of the details of the tentative agreement, click here.
EC-TK12 Leadership Retreat
Early Childhood TK-12 presidents met for two days in the CFT Burbank office. The retreat was held November 15th and 16th. It was well attended by presidents from up-and-down the state, representing both large and small locals. The first day was spent in training leadership on development skills and active listening.
The members studied and practiced active listening skills by roleplaying through difficult conversations with administrators. Some of the other notable trainings included best practices for digital communications, understanding contract language, and how to build community schools.
World AIDS Day
World AIDS Day serves to remind people and governments that HIV is still with us. There are 39 million people that are presently living with HIV. The continuation and expansion of funding for research and treatment remains critically necessary to finish the fight against AIDS. This day also serves to create awareness and end the stigmatization of those living with HIV.
We take this 35th World AIDS Day to salute the activists who have fought and continue to fight, to show our gratitude to healthcare professionals that provide lifesaving care, and to honor those that have been lost to the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
Read and learn more about World AIDS Day at the resources below:
GLAAD Resources
President Biden’s World AIDS Day proclamation
World AIDS Day 35: Remember and Commit
Taking care of mental health over the holiday season
The holiday season can be a joyful time with family or a difficult time for some. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, you can reach out for help by simply calling or texting 988 or by chat at 988lifeline.org. The hotline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, and prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones.
Additional resources for mental health care:
NAMI: Maintaining Mental Health During the Holidays
SAMHSA National Network for Mental Health and Substance Abuse
In solidarity - Portland teachers settle strike
Congratulations to Portland teachers for winning a new contract after more than 3 weeks of a strike, 11 canceled school days, and a year of bargaining. Some of the takeaway wins are a 14.4% compounded wage increase over the next three years, funding to improve health and building safety standards, and increased time for lesson planning.
Read the tentative agreement by clicking here.
