You are not alone in the workplace!

For many of us, it's back to work this month. New employees may be learning about the union for the first time in an orientation. Your union meeting may be scheduled. Please, if there are new employees in your workplace, reach out, invite them to the union meeting and introduce them to our union. (And don't forget to invite CFT leaders to join your meetings!) As a member of the CFT, you are part of a vital and active organization committed to upholding educational standards for our students and ensuring the best possible workplace for you. The power of the union stems from collective action. That begins with you, but you don't stand alone. The CFT and your local union stand with you.

• CFT's back-to-school resources: Find flyers on topics such as your Weingarten Rights, union scholarships, immunizations and climate justice.

• Lesson plans from AFT's Share My Lesson: These collections have free preK-12 back-to-school lesson plans, worksheets, classroom activities and professional development webinars.

PROTECT OUR STUDENTS

Mississippi ICE raids target union workers and tear families apart

The CFT joins AFT and other progressive groups in condemning the ICE raids at Mississippi food processing plants – the largest immigration raids waged in a single state. ICE swept up nearly 700 undocumented workers – union members of the United Food and Commercial Workers. Their families are left scrambling for support. Read more and make a donation of support.

• Find resources in our Safe Havens Toolkit made specifically for educators and school support staff to support undocumented immigrant students and families. We have prepared a suite of topnotch resources – find flyers, booklets, a poster and lots more.

EDUCATION FUNDING

CFT-backed split roll tax initiative takes another step toward 2020 ballot

This week, the Schools and Communities First coalition refiled the ballot initiative that will provide $11 billion in new revenue to fund K-12 classrooms, community colleges, and local governments by requiring just a fraction of commercial and industrial property owners to pay their fair share. “This is a huge step toward reversing 41 years of disinvestment in California’s public schools and local services," said CFT President Jeff Freitas. The coalition is united by its determination to make California children and our communities the priority they should be. At a time when California ranks dead last among the states in teacher, counselor and librarian-to-student ratios, the coalition is championing reform that’s desperately needed.

• Learn more about the new improved initiative and volunteer to collect signatures to put the measure on the 2020 ballot

CFT turned 100 on May 31 and we're still celebrating!

Yes, 100 years strong deserves a good long celebration. Find our special #CFT100 coverage in video and stories. And buy your own Union Strong tees, polos and hoodies from our online store! You will also find the CFT classics – Rosie the Riveter, Students are My Special Interest – in button packs, magnets, stickers and vintage posters.

•Order union swag from our online store. Free #CFT100 lanyard if you place an order.