ALL-UNION NEWS
New protections for workers you need to know about
As the pandemic grinds on, California has implemented more support for workers. Cal/OSHA's Emergency Standard took effect November 30 and creates enforceable requirements for employers to reduce transmission of COVID-19 in the workplace. Plus a new law directs Workers’ Compensation to presume that an employee’s illness related to coronavirus is an occupational injury .
Members brave public rallies to defend democracy
CFT members, masked and socially distanced, attended rallies to let their voices be heard that every vote in the Presidential Election must be counted. They were a visible presence, in blue t-shirts emblazoned with the AFT logo, and “Count Every Vote” on one side and “Democracy Defender” on the other.
Election 2020 — sweet victory tinged with disappointment
Much of the attention was directed to the national stage while California suffered the stinging loss of Prop 15. Local unions found success in district board elections and more CFT members were elected to public office. Find our election wrap here.
The hope that 2021 brings
By Jeffery M. Freitas, CFT President
As I reflect upon the year that is reaching its end, the shock of all that we have endured these past many months hits me anew. And yet despite these difficulties, I am once again greeting the new year with hope and looking forward to what we will do together in 2021. There are brighter days ahead.
PREK-12 SCHOOLS
Reopening, regrouping, testing & protecting
Only a few districts are teaching in-person now. Unions are negotiating safe learning conditions for in-person and distance learning. One leader says. “So far the community is on our side and we’re aware of that and trying to keep doing our jobs.”
CLASSIFIED
Classified Conference views pandemic with "2020 vision"
At the first Virtual Classified Conference, attendees learned valuable info about support available to staff during the pandemic. There was much-needed fun too — including a happy hour with the theme "Celebrating Classified with 2020 Vision."
COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Being the change you want to see
Paul da Silva wondered about the lack of teachers on the College of Marin Board of Trustees. When he decided to retire last summer, Paul concluded, to paraphrase Mahatma Gandhi, he’d have to be the candidate he wished to see in the world. Now Paul will be the first teacher to serve on the college board.
UNIVERSITY
UC-AFT teams up in national call for shared governance
Delegates to AFT Virtual Convention passed the first-ever national resolution supporting "inclusion and compensation" for adjunct faculty participation in campus shared governance. The resolution was crafted jointly by UC-AFT and the CFT Part-Time Faculty Committee.
RETIRED
What I did to help win in Election 2020
CFT retirees have broad-ranging interests and community relationships — and that collective power is reflected in these five first-person accounts from very connected and active retirees. Inspirational stories from those who have seen more elections than most of us!
YOUR UNION IN ACTION
Be a delegate to CFT Virtual Convention 2021!
Due to the coronavirus pandemic and public health guidelines, we will be holding CFT Convention 2021 online, as previously scheduled for March 26-28. The Convention is the Federation’s highest governance body, where delegates shape union policy and positions on issues affecting all members. The biennial Convention is open to all CFT members, but only elected delegates can vote. Learn how to become a delegate here.
CFT scholarships for dependents of union members
Support for college tuition has never been more important! Children or dependents of members in good standing are eligible for $3000 or $1000 scholarships. Application opens soon for continuing college students. The deadline to apply is June 15.
Pandemic toolkit from the union
We continue to update our collection of coronavirus resources, from face covering use to unemployment and reopening guidelines. Here’s a sampling of what’s available:
ICYMI — MORE CFT STORIES
SEASON'S GREETINGS
Happy Holidays from the CFT!
And best wishes from CFT Santa — Robert Wilmer — a custodian in the San Diego community colleges and member of the AFT Guild, Local 1931, who last week helped the union distribute toys to kids in a socially distanced drive-through.
Please have a safe holiday season…at home.
