Jeffery Freitas · [email protected]

January 28, 2022 at 10:34 PM

Inside CFT: Parents stand with educators and public schools

Parents stand with educators and public schools A new national poll released by AFT this week found that supermajorities of parents give public school teachers high marks for their herculean efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic. Parents' perception of educator unions is also…

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  Jeffery Freitas · [email protected]

January 21, 2022 at 10:12 PM

Urge our elected leaders in Sacramento to restore emergency COVID sick leave

Dear John, With the omicron variant continuing to surge across the state, too many educators and school workers are being forced to choose between their paychecks and the health and safety of their families and the students they serve. Please take a moment to urge your elect…

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  Jeffery Freitas · [email protected]

January 14, 2022 at 10:27 PM

Inside CFT: Governor Newsom heard our concerns and proposed $200 million to fund healthcare for part-time faculty

Governor Newsom proposes $200 million to fund healthcare for part-time community college faculty Governor Newsom proposed $200 million in ongoing funding for healthcare coverage for part-time community college faculty in his January budget presentation released this week. The…

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  Jeffery Freitas · [email protected]

January 7, 2022 at 10:19 PM

Inside CFT: Educators deserve thanks as schools return to instruction as omicron surges

Educators and school workers deserve resources, respect, and thanks as schools return during omicron surge K-12 staff and students throughout the state began returning to school this week with the omicron variant continuing to surge at increasingly rapid rates. While many dis…

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  Jeffery Freitas · [email protected]

December 22, 2021 at 8:49 PM

Happy holidays from CFT!

? Jeffery M. Freitas, President Luukia Smith, Secretary-Treasurer | L. Lacy Barnes, Senior Vice President ? Contact Us Sent via ActionNetwork.org. To update your email address, change your name or address, or to stop receiving emails from Califo…

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  Jeffery Freitas · [email protected]

December 17, 2021 at 9:16 PM

Inside CFT: CFT’s Carl Williams to co-chair national task force on school staff shortages

CFT Council of Classified Employees president to co-chair national task force on teacher and staff shortages We are proud to announce that CFT Council of Classified Employees president Carl Williams has been tapped to co-chair AFT’s new national task force on teacher and sch…

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  CFT Newsroom · [email protected]

December 13, 2021 at 2:01 PM

CFT United | Higher ed's moment, staff shortages and burn out, supporting students in need

Give holiday gifts of social justice and solidarity ALL-UNION NEWS UC lecturers' victory inspires fight for equity in community colleges By Jeffery M. Freitas, CFT President People are finally starting to hear what we have been saying for decades: The overreliance on part…

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  Jeffery Freitas · [email protected]

December 10, 2021 at 9:57 PM

Inside CFT: Momentum growing to cancel student debt

Momentum growing to cancel student debt After a 21-month pause on student loan payments, put in place by the CARES Act to alleviate financial strain caused by the pandemic, payment requirements will resume on February 1, 2022. But a recent national survey from the Student Debt…

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  Jeffery Freitas · [email protected]

December 3, 2021 at 10:21 PM

Inside CFT: Vaccines for children could be a game changer

Vaccines for children could be a game changer With the arrival of the Omicron variant, public health officials are once again strongly urging all eligible people to receive a COVID-19 vaccination – including children ages 5 to 11. But we know that some parents and educators ha…

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  Jeffery Freitas · [email protected]

November 19, 2021 at 9:54 PM

Inside CFT: UC-AFT lecturers win groundbreaking contract with UC

Victory for UC-AFT lecturers! After a marathon negotiating session that lasted from Tuesday morning at 9 a.m. until 4 a.m. on Wednesday morning, the UC-AFT lecturers union announced it had reached a tentative agreement with UC administration on the terms of a new five-year c…

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  CFT Newsroom · [email protected]

November 16, 2021 at 2:01 PM

Classified Insider | State salutes stellar staff – 20 months of COVID – equal layoff rights

Our work 20 months into the pandemic Staff working with homeless and formerly incarcerated students win statewide recognition The California Community Colleges has recognized two dynamic and talented CFT members in the Los Angeles area for their leadership, commitment, …

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  Jeffery Freitas · [email protected]

November 12, 2021 at 11:04 PM

Inside CFT: ​Urge California’s congressional representatives to fund community schools

Urge California’s congressional representatives to fund community schools This year Governor Newsom and the California Legislature allocated $3 billion dollars to help expand existing community schools and establish new community schools. Now it is time for the federal gover…

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  Jeffery Freitas · [email protected]

November 5, 2021 at 9:17 PM

Inside CFT: As world leaders address the climate crisis, CFT continues push for a green future

As world leaders address climate crisis in Glasgow, CFT continues push for a green future This week elected leaders and activists from around the world are gathering in Glasgow, Scotland for a global summit on addressing climate change. With the renewed global attention on t…

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  Jeffery Freitas · [email protected]

October 29, 2021 at 8:55 PM

Inside CFT: Organizing for equity for part-time faculty

Organizing for equity for part-time faculty Part-time faculty from throughout the state hit the ground running this week with a series of events in recognition of Campus Equity Week. El Camino Federation of Teachers members (pictured above) took part in daily events, which inc…

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  CFT Newsroom · [email protected]

October 27, 2021 at 8:32 PM

Part-Timer | CFT sets sights on adjunct healthcare, AFT victory for loan forgiveness

Dignity and respect for part-time faculty during Campus Equity Week! COVID — Locals negotiate vaccine stipends and retention of health benefits, create hardship funds Adjuncts have been hit especially hard by the decline in student enrollment, limited support services,…

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  Jeffery Freitas · [email protected]

October 22, 2021 at 10:00 PM

Inside CFT: Momentum growing as UC-AFT faculty take on UC in contract fight

Momentum growing as UC-AFT faculty take on UC in contract fight Last week nearly 2,000 UC teaching faculty, students, and supporters took part in a two-day rally across the state in support of UC-AFT negotiations with the University of California system. In the negotiations,…

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  Jeffery Freitas · [email protected]

October 13, 2021 at 4:29 PM

Inside CFT: After years of campaigning, big changes to public service loan forgiveness

You may be eligible for public service loan forgiveness under new rules After years of pressure and lawsuits from AFT and other advocates, the Department of Education recently announced sweeping changes to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program that will make it e…

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  CFT Newsroom · [email protected]

October 6, 2021 at 1:02 PM

CFT United – FAQ for K-12 return to in-person | What about community colleges and UC?

ALL-UNION NEWS Back-to-School Tour puts staff shortage in stark perspective By Jeffery M. Freitas, CFT President We anticipated questions about safety, but everywhere we went we heard another refrain: There aren't enough staff — teachers, librarians, custodians, bus drive…

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  Jeffery Freitas · [email protected]

October 1, 2021 at 9:34 PM

Inside CFT: Governor Newsom announces coming vaccine requirements for K-12 staff and students

Governor Newsom announces coming vaccine requirements for K-12 staff and students Earlier today, Governor Newsom announced the state of California is implementing a vaccine requirement for all K-12 school staff and students. The requirement will be implemented for students in …

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  Jeffery Freitas · [email protected]

September 24, 2021 at 7:35 PM

Inside CFT: CFT members are overwhelmingly vaccinated

CFT members are overwhelmingly vaccinated and support vaccine mandates Dear John, Since January of this year, we have pushed hard for educators and classified professionals to be prioritized for vaccinations after medical personnel and seniors. We know that in-person educati…

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  Jeffery Freitas · [email protected]

September 15, 2021 at 8:42 PM

Thanks to all who helped defeat the anti-public education recall

Thanks to all who helped defeat the anti-public education recall On Tuesday night, the effort to recall Governor Gavin Newsom suffered a resounding defeat. By a two-to-one margin, voters beat back this wasteful recall attempt, one that cost California taxpayers more than $200…

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  Jeffery Freitas · [email protected]

September 14, 2021 at 4:33 PM

Remember to VOTE today!

Dear John, Today is the day. The day when our votes are counted and we say NO to the effort to recall Governor Gavin Newsom. The day when we stand up for public education, labor rights, immigrants’ rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and for sensible climate change policy. Today is the da…

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  Jeffery Freitas · [email protected]

September 10, 2021 at 7:43 PM

Protect our progress - Vote NO on the recall

Time to vote NO on the recall Dear John, The recall election is entering its last weekend, and turnout in these final days will determine if we can build on our progress or if we take a giant, dangerous step back. Let’s be clear. Larry Elder, the leading candidate to replace …

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  Jeffery Freitas · [email protected]

September 1, 2021 at 10:44 PM

Take action now to extend emergency COVID sick leave in CA

Take action now to extend emergency COVID sick leave in California Dear John, In less than 30 days California’s emergency supplemental COVID sick leave will expire if our elected officials in Sacramento don’t act. Without an extension, many California workers will be in da…

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  Jeffery Freitas · [email protected]

August 13, 2021 at 11:01 PM

Inside CFT: Back to School: Forward Together

CFT leaders visit districts across the state as part of their ‘Back to School: Forward Together’ tour As communities across the state return to school, CFT President Jeff Freitas, Secretary Treasurer Luukia Smith, and Senior Vice President Lacy Barnes, kicked off their statew…

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  Jeffery Freitas · [email protected]

August 11, 2021 at 10:48 PM

Governor Newsom announces 'vaccine or test' policy for K-12 schools

Dear John, Today, Governor Gavin Newsom announced that California will require all educators and classified professionals in K-12 schools to either be vaccinated or undergo COVID testing once a week. This policy will take effect October 15, 2021. Since the onset of the COVID…

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  Jeffery Freitas · [email protected]

July 1, 2021 at 9:35 PM

Inside CFT: California on track to lead the nation in education funding

California on track to lead the nation in education funding Earlier this week the California Legislature approved a state budget that includes transformational education investments that put California on track to lead the nation in education funding. Among the many highlights…

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  Jeffery Freitas · [email protected]

June 18, 2021 at 8:36 PM

Inside CFT: Juneteenth is now a federal holiday!

President Biden signs legislation making Juneteenth a federal holiday On Thursday afternoon, President Biden signed legislation officially making Juneteenth a federal holiday. Juneteenth, a combination of the words June and 19th, marks the day in 1865 when Union Army General G…

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  Jeffery Freitas · [email protected]

June 2, 2021 at 8:30 PM

Inside CFT: One step closer to more funding for California’s community colleges

One step closer to more funding for California’s community colleges Earlier this month Governor Newsom proposed record funding for K-12 schools, along with a host of investments in education that CFT members have prioritized for years – including a $2.7 billion plan to fully …

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  CFT Newsroom · [email protected]

May 28, 2021 at 1:01 PM

CFT United – End of pandemic in sight, reopening and the recall

Pandemic resources, book review, scholarships ++ ALL-UNION NEWS What does CFT say about the recall? No, no no! CFT has taken a position on the anti-union recall of Governor Gavin Newsom: Our union is urging members to say “No” to this expensive and distracting political st…

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  CFT Newsroom · [email protected]

May 14, 2021 at 8:12 PM

Classified Insider – Pandemic update, new CFT identity embraces classified, members as elected officials

Resources for you — Classified Week, pandemic relief, conference Thank you classified staff! Thank you for everything you do to contribute to the success of our schools, colleges, students and communities — especially during these trying times of the COVID-19 pandemic. The C…

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  Jeffery Freitas · [email protected]

May 13, 2021 at 9:05 PM

Inside CFT: Governor Newsom makes bold commitment to public education

Governor Newsom proposes $20 billion investment in TK-12 schools Yesterday, Governor Newsom proposed record TK-12 education investments as part of his $20 billion ‘California Comeback Plan.’ The proposal represents a bold step forward for our public schools and will be critica…

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  CFT Newsroom · [email protected]

May 10, 2021 at 5:23 PM

Part-Timer— 100% pay parity, pandemic relief, 85% teaching load

Pandemic relief for adjuncts and the road to parity How one local union won 100% pay parity Equal pay for equal work. It’s a simple idea, but one that has remained all but elusive for part-time faculty. However, recent gains show that reaching 100% parity — a first in the …

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  Jeffery Freitas · [email protected]

April 30, 2021 at 10:21 PM

Inside CFT: This May Day we have a friend of labor in the White House

This May Day we have a friend of labor in the White House As we celebrate May Day this Saturday, President Joe Biden is already establishing himself as one of the most pro-union and pro-public education presidents since the New Deal. In his first one hundred days in office, he…

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  Jeffery Freitas · [email protected]

April 20, 2021 at 11:51 PM

Guilty verdict for Derek Chauvin a step toward a more just future

Guilty verdict for Derek Chauvin a step toward a more just future Dear John, Today a jury in Minnesota found former police officer Derek Chauvin guilty of all charges for the murder of George Floyd in May of last year. While the verdict will not bring George Floyd back, it r…

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  Jeffery Freitas · [email protected]

April 16, 2021 at 10:42 PM

Inside CFT: Focus on mental health – for school workers and students

New trauma coverage from AFT to empower recovery On April 1 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-co…

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  CFT Newsroom · [email protected]

April 2, 2021 at 5:41 PM

CFT United: VIRTUAL CONVENTION brings hope and change - Special Report

Kamala Harris speaks to CFT, pandemic relief, resolutions passed, Khalil Gibran Muhammad and more CFT Virtual Convention brings hope and change The 78th CFT Convention with the theme Rise Up, Recover, and Rebuild had some firsts: the first one to be biennial rather than an…

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  Jeffery Freitas · [email protected]

March 19, 2021 at 9:51 PM

Inside CFT: Rise Up, Recover, and Rebuild is the theme for the 2021 CFT virtual convention

Rise Up, Recover, and Rebuild is the theme for the 2021 CFT virtual convention On March 26 and 27 CFT members will gather online from across the state to participate in the 2021 CFT virtual convention. The theme for this convention, Rise Up, Recover, and Rebuild, reflects o…

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  Jeffery Freitas · [email protected]

March 16, 2021 at 10:49 PM

Should California billionaires pay their fair share?

It’s time for the California Tax on Extreme Wealth! Dear John, Yesterday CFT proudly joined legislative leaders from throughout California to introduce the California Tax on Extreme Wealth. Sponsored by CFT, the legislation would implement a 1% tax on wealth in excess of $50…

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  Jeffery Freitas · [email protected]

March 13, 2021 at 12:47 AM

Inside CFT: Over 210,000 California education workers have been vaccinated; President Biden signs the American Rescue Plan

Over 210,000 educators and school workers in California have been vaccinated already – Are you ready for your shot? On Monday Governor Newsom announced that the state had nearly tripled its goal of vaccinating 75,000 teachers, school staff, and childcare workers per week an…

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  Jeffery Freitas · [email protected]

February 20, 2021 at 12:40 AM

Inside CFT: CFT members say they are ready to return to school with vaccine and safety measures

CFT members say they are ready to return to school with vaccine and safety measures CFT members indicated in a recent poll that they were ready to return to in-person instruction so long as they were offered the vaccine and safety measures were in place. The results of the pol…

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  Jeffery Freitas · [email protected]

February 6, 2021 at 12:13 AM

Inside CFT: CFT and state education unions release schools reopening plan

CFT and state education unions release schools reopening plan On Wednesday, CFT joined California’s statewide education unions to release a schools reopening plan that focuses on mutli-layered mitigation strategies and calls for vaccines to be offered to all educators and scho…

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  Jeffery Freitas · [email protected]

January 22, 2021 at 11:58 PM

Inside CFT: This week we celebrate and start the important work of rebuilding

This week we celebrate and start the important work of rebuilding The inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris this Wednesday has brought hope back to so many who for years have lived in fear and uncertainty. In his remarks President Biden called fo…

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  Jeffery Freitas · [email protected]

January 9, 2021 at 12:46 AM

Inside CFT: Governor Newsom announces budget proposal with record education funding

Governor Newsom announces budget proposal with record education funding To cap a tumultuous week, today Governor Newsom announced his state budget proposal for the coming year. Despite a struggling economy, and high unemployment, the top line budget numbers are hopeful for pub…

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  Jeffery Freitas · [email protected]

January 7, 2021 at 1:17 AM

CFT condemns the violent attacks in Washington, D.C.

Dear John, This morning we witnessed the historic victories in Georgia of Senator-elect Raphael Warnock and Senator-elect Jon Ossoff. Much of the credit for these two victories goes to the heroic work of organizers in Georgia, including the amazing Stacey Abrams. Many thanks …

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  Jeffery Freitas · [email protected]

December 22, 2020 at 10:26 PM

Happy Holidays from CFT!

  Jeffery M. Freitas, President Luukia Smith, Secretary-Treasurer | L. Lacy Barnes, Senior Vice President   Contact Us Sent via ActionNetwork.org. To update your email address, change your name or address, or to stop receiving emails from Califo…

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  Jeffery Freitas · [email protected]

December 18, 2020 at 1:07 AM

Action Alert: Urge CA lawmakers to open schools only when it is safe

Take Action: Urge California lawmakers to open schools only when it is safe Dear John, Please take a moment to write to Governor Newsom and your elected representatives in Sacramento, expressing your concerns about AB 10, legislation recently introduced that would compel Cali…

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  CFT Newsroom · [email protected]

December 14, 2020 at 9:21 PM

CFT United | Looking back at a year like no other

Staying safe during the pandemic and still fighting for what's right 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…

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  Jeffery Freitas · [email protected]

December 11, 2020 at 11:59 PM

Inside CFT: Unemployment workshops Dec. 16 - Volunteer for the Georgia Senate runoff elections

CFT Workshops Dec. 16: Unemployment and underemployment during the COVID-19 pandemic Are you losing your job (or losing hours) as a result of the current pandemic? Is someone in your household unemployed or underemployed? In many cases, you may be eligible for benefits you’re…

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  Jeffery Freitas · [email protected]

December 4, 2020 at 9:19 PM

Inside CFT: Governor Newsom announces coming statewide regional stay at home orders

Governor Newsom announces coming statewide regional stay at home orders, but school policy left unchanged At a press conference on Thursday, Governor Newsom announced new statewide regional stay at home orders that when implemented will significantly restrict activity through…

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