Alliance charter school educators in Los Angeles take part in one day strike
Teachers and educators at four Alliance College-Ready charter schools in Los Angeles took part in a one-day Unfair Labor Practices strike this week in response to the school’s refusal to recognize and negotiate with their union.
The educators successfully organized and won a union election with UTLA three years ago, but the Board of Directors of the charter school has refused to recognize their union and bargain a first contract.
“Over the last two years, they’ve repeatedly ignored us at board meetings; they’ve ignored the letters that we sent to them; they’ve ignored our walk-in; and they continue to appeal and appeal decisions,” seventh grade teacher Brittany Cliffe told Ed Source.
At a rally on the picket lines, CFT President Jeff Freitas called out the charter schools for spending $1.7 million to stop the unionization effort, instead of investing in their schools and their workers.
CFT leaders discuss organizing work and opportunities at AFT western regional meeting
This past weekend dozens of CFT local leaders from throughout the state got an opportunity to meet and plan with other AFT leaders from the western United States in Las Vegas. These critical conversations addressed many important issues facing educator, school worker, public employee, and nurse unions, including escalating attacks on educators and nurses, organizing and using technology, and community and parent engagement through collective bargaining.
CFT president Jeff Freitas, serving in his capacity as an AFT vice president, welcomed leaders to the meeting to open up the conference, which also provided an opportunity for CFT local leaders to give to feedback to AFT national leaders and to share their local successes and work in political, community, and member organizing.
Thanks to all the CFT leaders who attended, especially those who spoke on the engaging panels, including UTLA president Cecily Myart-Cruz, Petaluma Federation of Teachers president Sandra Larsen, and El Rancho Federation of Teachers president Lilia Carreon.
AFT trauma counseling programs and services
Last year the AFT introduced an innovative form of mental health care and support—trauma counseling. It is available to all CFT members, free of charge, at any time in the one-year aftermath of a traumatic incident. The no-cost benefit includes 24/7 therapy, connecting those who need it with a licensed, certified, master’s level (or higher) therapist with special training in post-traumatic care.
To access the counseling benefit, visit the AFT website or call Trauma Coverage toll-free at 1-855-631-1421.
Important note: If you are experiencing a mental health crisis and having thoughts of hurting yourself you should promptly call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or 911. You can learn more at the Suicide Prevention Lifeline website.
