Jeffery Freitas · [email protected]

February 2, 2024 at 11:27 PM

Inside CFT: Celebrating Black History Month

CFT celebrates Black History Month As February gets underway, CFT joins educators, unions, and communities across the country in celebrating Black History Month. This month is an opportunity not only to recognize the critical contributions African Americans have made to our…

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  Jeffery Freitas · [email protected]

January 26, 2024 at 11:40 PM

Inside CFT: CA Attorney General issues legal alert against forced outing in schools

Attorney General Bonta issues legal alert warning school districts against forced outing policies Earlier this month California Attorney General Rob Bonta issued a legal alert addressed to all California county, school district, and charter school boards and superintendents, …

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  Jeffery Freitas · [email protected]

January 19, 2024 at 10:03 PM

Inside CFT: Ranked faculty at CCA successfully organize to join CFT!

Ranked faculty at California College of the Arts successfully organize to join CFT! Congratulations to the ranked faculty at the California College of the Arts, whose new union was voluntarily recognized by the college administration last week following a nearly two-year org…

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  Jeffery Freitas · [email protected]

January 12, 2024 at 9:39 PM

Inside CFT: Celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Every year we observe Martin Luther King Day to reflect on the work that still needs to be done for racial equality. We also remember the vision that Dr. King carried, seeing the connection between achieving racial equality and support…

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  Jeffery Freitas · [email protected]

January 8, 2024 at 11:03 PM

ACTION ALERT: Tell the CA legislature that we need to tax extreme wealth

Dear John, On Wednesday January 10, the California Assembly Committee on Revenue and Taxation will hear CFT's Assembly Bill 259, The California Tax on Extreme Wealth. Please urge members of the committee to VOTE YES on AB 259 There were 618 billionaires in the United States…

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  Jeff Freitas · [email protected]

January 5, 2024 at 8:51 PM

Inside CFT: A new year to protect our progress

With the holidays behind us, we go into a new year with elections at the forefront: The California March 5th primary and the November U.S. Presidential election. 2024: A new year to protect our progress With the holidays behind us, we go into a new year with elections at the …

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  Jeffery Freitas · [email protected]

December 22, 2023 at 10:21 PM

Happy Holidays from CFT!

Dear John, As the year comes to a close, we are grateful for all of your hard work and dedication to our students, our schools, and our communities. As educators and classified professionals, your tireless efforts are essential to our students and their success. And as we ref…

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  CFT Newsroom · [email protected]

December 20, 2023 at 12:44 AM

Classified Insider Special Edition: CCE Conference 2023

SAVE THE DATE: May 21, 2024 Classified Employees head to Sacramento for rally SAVE THE DATE: CLASSIFIED RALLY AT SACRAMENTO CAPITOL, MAY 21, 2024 Flexing our Power, Protecting our Progress The annual Council of Classified Employees Conference took place at the Hyatt Regency…

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  Jeff Freitas · [email protected]

December 16, 2023 at 12:33 AM

Inside CFT: Claremont Colleges librarians win first contract, San Jose Evergreen win contract for part-timers

A shout out to the members of the Claremont Colleges Services Library Staff Federation who ratified their first contract last week. The librarians and librarian staff won a union recognition election with an 80% vote last year Claremont Colleges librarians win first contract …

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  CFT Newsroom · [email protected]

December 14, 2023 at 12:08 AM

Part-Timer: A Bittersweet Legislative Season, One Tier Making Moves, Part-time Healthcare Fight Continues

Because of CFT’s successful campaign, CA law now provides college districts that provide part-time faculty some form of health insurance with reimbursement for 50% of district’s costs. Part-time Healthcare: CFT Locals in the Fight for What’s Morally Right Because of CFT’s su…

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  Jeffery Freitas · [email protected]

December 8, 2023 at 10:28 PM

Inside CFT: 40 CFT members take part in the California Labor Federation Convention

40 CFT members take part in the California Labor Federation Convention On Tuesday, December 5, delegates to the California Labor Federation gathered in Oakland for the body's Pre-Primary Convention. Delegates voted to endorse hundreds of candidates for the State Legislature…

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  Jeff Freitas via ActionNetwork.org · [email protected]

December 2, 2023 at 6:39 PM

Honoring Mary Bergan

The union movement lost a true champion and advocate of collective bargaining rights with the sudden passing of long-time CFT President Mary Bergan on November 30. In Remembrance Mary Bergan September 13, 1941 – November 30, 2023 Educators, classified professionals and the un…

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  Jeff Freitas · [email protected]

December 2, 2023 at 1:08 AM

Inside CFT: AFT 2121 Reaches TA, Honoring World AIDS Day, EC/TK12 Presidents retreat

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. AFT 2121 Reaches Tentative Agreement At 1 A.M. this morning, December 1, 2023, t…

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  The officers of CFT · [email protected]

November 22, 2023 at 8:09 PM

CFT wishes you a safe and restful Thanksgiving holiday

We are thankful for the incredible work CFT members do every day educating our students, supporting them and their families, and uplifting our communities. We hope that you have a safe and restful Thanksgiving holiday with your family, friends, and loved ones. We are thankful …

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  Jeffery Freitas · [email protected]

November 17, 2023 at 9:39 PM

Inside CFT: CFT endorses ACA 5 to enshrine marriage equality into state Constitution

CFT endorses ACA 5 to enshrine marriage equality into state Constitution This month the CFT Executive Council endorsed ACA 5, an Assembly Constitutional Amendment set for the November 2024 ballot that would enshrine marriage equality into the state Constitution. While gay mar…

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  Jeffery Freitas · [email protected]

November 10, 2023 at 9:09 PM

Inside CFT: UC-AFT librarians kick off their new contract talks

UC-AFT librarians kick off their new contract talks This week UC-AFT librarians kicked off new contract talks with UC management, intent on building on their successful contract campaign four years ago. Core issues at the table for UC-AFT members include stronger protection…

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  Jeffery Freitas · [email protected]

November 3, 2023 at 8:44 PM

Inside CFT: Classified members flex their power at CFT conference in SF

Classified members flex their power at CFT conference in San Francisco The annual Classified Council of Employees Conference took place last weekend in San Francisco. CFT classified leaders and activists from throughout the state gathered under the conference theme, “Flexing…

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  Jeffery Freitas · [email protected]

October 27, 2023 at 9:45 PM

Inside CFT: AFT releases new report on adjunct faculty during Campus Parity Week

AFT releases updated report on adjunct faculty during Campus Parity Week As we recognize Campus Parity Week, the AFT is out with an updated report underscoring the continuing crisis faced by millions of contingent workers at the nation’s colleges and universities—with little…

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  CFT Newsroom · [email protected]

October 27, 2023 at 5:05 PM

CFT United: Senate candidates show strong support for public education at CFT forum

Candidate Forum > A message from CFT President Jeff Freitas > Data Breach Actions CFT United is the union’s flagship magazine that is emailed to all union members. The award-winning digital magazine contains union news important to members, and covers major issues in eac…

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  Jeffery Freitas · [email protected]

October 20, 2023 at 10:43 PM

Inside CFT: San Jose/Evergreen faculty demand healthcare

San Jose/Evergreen Federation of Teachers demand healthcare for part-time faculty Dozens of faculty, students, labor, and community allies took part in a boisterous rally last Friday in front of the headquarters of the San Jose-Evergreen Community College District in downtow…

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  Jeffery Freitas · [email protected]

October 13, 2023 at 9:42 PM

Inside CFT: Governor Newsom signs and vetoes key CFT-sponsored legislation

Key CFT-sponsored legislation signed into law by Governor Newsom, while other critical bills vetoed The first year of the 2023-24 legislative session has come to an end. This term we were successful in getting eleven bills through the California Legislature and on to the Gove…

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  Jeffery Freitas · [email protected]

October 6, 2023 at 9:32 PM

Inside CFT: Virtual CFT Senate Candidate Forum set for Saturday, October 14

October 14 CFT U.S. Senate Candidate Forum Thanks to the hundreds of CFT members who have RSVPd for the 2023 CFT Senate Candidate Forum. The online forum, which will take place on October 14 from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon, will feature the three leading candidates for the upco…

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  Jeffery Freitas · [email protected]

October 5, 2023 at 9:27 PM

Urge Governor Newsom to sign AB 811 and restore repeatability community colleges

Dear John, Please take a moment to urge Governor Newsom to sign AB 811 to allow students to repeat certain credit courses. Community colleges have seen devastating impacts because of the restrictions on repeatability that went into effect in 2013. Repeatability allows studen…

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  Jeffery Freitas · [email protected]

October 3, 2023 at 11:38 PM

Register now for the October 14 CFT U.S. Senate Candidate Forum featuring Barbara Lee, Katie Porter, and Adam Schiff

Register now for the October 14 CFT U.S. Senate Candidate Forum All CFT members are invited to attend the 2023 CFT Senate Candidate Forum on Saturday, October 14 from 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. The online forum will feature the three leading candidates for the upcoming U.S. Senate e…

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  Jeffery Freitas · [email protected]

September 29, 2023 at 10:15 PM

Inside CFT: Take action on two critical bills for education workers

Take action on two critical bills for education workers Please take a moment to sign two critical online letters, urging Governor Newsom to support public education workers. #1 – Urge Governor Newsom to give part-time classified staff the right of first refusal to open jobs …

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  Jeffery Freitas · [email protected]

September 22, 2023 at 10:34 PM

Inside CFT: Student loan payments resume: AFT debt clinics can help

Student loan payments resume: AFT debt clinics can help After a three-year hiatus that began during the pandemic, student loan payments are set to resume October 1. To help ease the transition, the U.S. Department of Education has made some changes, including much more genero…

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  Jeffery Freitas · [email protected]

September 15, 2023 at 10:59 PM

Inside CFT: Eleven CFT priority bills make it to Governor Newsom’s desk

Eleven CFT priority bills make it to Governor Newsom’s desk This week eleven of the CFT-sponsored and cosponsored bills introduced this year in the State Capitol were passed either the California State Senate or Assembly and are now on to the Governor’s desk For a quick rund…

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  Jeffery Freitas · [email protected]

September 8, 2023 at 10:25 PM

Inside CFT: Progress in Sacramento - Adam Schiff speaks up for ArtCenter faculty

Progress in Sacramento as CFT supported bills make it past key legislative committees Last week all 13 of the CFT-sponsored and cosponsored bills introduced this year in the State Capitol were passed out of the appropriations committees of either the California State Senate o…

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  Jeffery Freitas · [email protected]

September 1, 2023 at 11:27 PM

Inside CFT: Happy Labor Day!

Happy Labor Day! On Labor Day, we reflect on working people’s victories. Unions are more popular this Labor Day than at any time in more than 50 years⁠—with 71% of Americans now approving of unions. But this momentum didn’t happen by accident. Working people have organized t…

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  Jeffery Freitas · [email protected]

August 28, 2023 at 10:53 PM

Take Action! Urge CA lawmakers to restore repeatability opportunities in community colleges

Take Action! Urge CA lawmakers to restore repeatability opportunities in community colleges Dear John, Please take a moment to urge members of the Senate Appropriations Committee to support AB 811 (Fong) to allow students to repeat certain credit courses. Community colleges …

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  Jeffery Freitas · [email protected]

August 25, 2023 at 10:46 PM

Inside CFT: Dominican University faculty celebrate their first contract

Back to School spotlight: Dominican University faculty celebrate their first contract This week the CFT Back to School tour had stops at the Dominican University, Lawndale Elementary School District, the French American International School, Cabrillo College, and Long Beach…

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  Jeffery Freitas · [email protected]

August 24, 2023 at 6:14 PM

Take action to support AB 938 – Increase funding for TK-12 salaries by 50% over 7 years

Take action to support AB 938 – Increase funding for TK-12 salaries by 50% over 7 years Dear John, As the new school year gets underway, once again school districts from throughout the state are facing severe staffing shortages, and we must do our part to urge our elected …

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  Jeffery Freitas · [email protected]

August 19, 2023 at 6:59 PM

Safety precautions during Hurricane Hilary

Important information for CFT members as Hurricane Hilary approaches Dear John, As we are sure you are aware, the National Weather Service is predicting that Hurricane Hilary will impact Southern California with possible dangerous and life threatening wind and rain through M…

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  Jeffery Freitas · [email protected]

August 18, 2023 at 10:30 PM

Inside CFT: Wages should be front in center when addressing staffing shortages

CFT President Jeff Freitas reminds teacher recruitment summit that wages matter With severe staffing shortages continuing to impact school districts across the state, this week State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond hosted a teacher recruitment summit at the…

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  Jeffery Freitas · [email protected]

August 15, 2023 at 5:56 PM

Take action for healthy, sustainable, and climate friendly schools

Dear John, Please take a moment to sign the CFT petition urging Governor Newsom and Assemblymember Holden to support the passage of SB 394 to create a Statewide Master Plan for Healthy, Sustainable, and Climate-Resilient Schools. As California’s climate changes and extreme w…

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  Jeffery Freitas · [email protected]

August 11, 2023 at 10:46 PM

Inside CFT: CFT kicks of 2023 Back to School Tour

CFT back to school tour kicks off with Jefferson AFT Federation of Teachers On Monday CFT President Jeff Freitas, Council of Classified Employees President Carl Williams, and EC/TK-12 Council President Steve McDougall visited Westmoor High School in Daly City to kick off th…

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  Jeff Freitas · [email protected]

August 4, 2023 at 8:19 PM

Inside CFT: AFT in the clear on House investigation on schools reopening during the pandemic

AFT in the clear on House investigation on schools reopening during the pandemic Despite a lengthy and partisan investigation, conservatives on the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic have found no evidence that the nation’s largest teachers unions had und…

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  Jeff Freitas · [email protected]

July 28, 2023 at 8:07 PM

Inside CFT: Adjunct Faculty local organizes to defeat flag ban in North Orange County

Adjunct Faculty local organizes to defeat flag ban in North Orange County Photographer: Gaston "Gus" Castellanos (he/him) Earlier this week, the North Orange county Community College board vetoed a motion that would have banned the pride flag on campus. AdFac leadership mobil…

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  CFT Newsroom · [email protected]

July 27, 2023 at 8:23 PM

Classified Insider: Classified Conference set for October, Lawndale healthcare win and more

Save the date! The annual Classified Conference is set for October 27th-29th. Classified Conference October 27th-29th Registration and hotel booking will open on August 29th and closes on October 12th. Stay tuned for more updates! Palomar College staff come togethe…

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  Jeffery Freitas · [email protected]

July 21, 2023 at 10:48 PM

Inside CFT: CFT members find success advocating at the State Capitol this summer

CFT members find success advocating at the State Capitol this summer This summer CFT members have been busy at the State Capitol building, advocating for key legislation to improve public education in California. Included among them was Oranit Limmaneeprasert from the Los Rio…

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  Jeffery Freitas · [email protected]

July 14, 2023 at 8:44 PM

Inside CFT: State budget nets 8.22% COLA for K-14 schools, but more work needs to be done

State budget nets 8.22% COLA for K-14 schools, but more work needs to be done Despite the state facing a deficit of billions of dollars, the 2023-2024 California state budget provides a substantial increase in public school funding and the protection of critical funding strea…

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  CFT Newsroom · [email protected]

July 12, 2023 at 5:47 PM

Part-Timer | CFT locals win part-time healthcare, key legislation backing part-timers, new taskforce on eliminating the two-tier system

From north to south, CFT locals win healthcare for part-time faculty Following our historic victory last year securing $200 million dollars annually for part-time healthcare, unions at twelve community college districts represented by CFT have settled agreements with their d…

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  Jeffery Freitas · [email protected]

July 7, 2023 at 10:50 PM

Inside CFT: CFT-sponsored legislation on raising funding for wages moves through key Senate committee

AB 938 passes Senate Education Committee This week the California Senate Education Committee voted to approve AB 938 with five yes votes and two abstentions. CFT-sponsored AB 938 would raise state funding that would equate to raising TK-12 certificated and classified employe…

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  Jeffery Freitas · [email protected]

June 30, 2023 at 10:32 PM

Inside CFT: Members sharpen union skills at CFT Summer School

Members sharpen union skills at CFT Summer School Thanks to the 100+ CFT members who attended our CFT Summer School this week in Southern California. The weeklong intensive training is an opportunity for leaders and activists to sharpen union skills, plan, and connect to prep…

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  Jeff Freitas · [email protected]

June 23, 2023 at 8:06 PM

Inside CFT: Dolores Huerta, Lorena Gonzales, Tony Thurmond rally for ArtCenter faculty

Dolores Huerta, Lorena Gonzales, Tony Thurmond rally for ArtCenter faculty Faculty, students and dozens of allies rallied at ArtCenter’s south campus on Thursday June 22. ArtCenter Federation members displayed a petition for strike readiness with hundreds of member signature…

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  Jeff Freitas · [email protected]

June 16, 2023 at 9:07 PM

Inside CFT: Celebrating Juneteenth

Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. Dating back to 1865, it was on June 19th that the Union soldiers landed at Galveston, Texas with news that the war had ended and that the enslaved were now free. Toda…

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  Jeff Freitas · [email protected]

June 9, 2023 at 9:26 PM

Inside CFT: Healthcare victory at Lawndale for classified union

Healthcare victory at Lawndale For thirty years, the Lawndale Elementary School District denied their part time classified employees health benefits. In fact, the district’s previous superintendent would schedule these employees so that they were just fifteen minutes under …

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  Jeffery Freitas · [email protected]

June 2, 2023 at 9:41 PM

Inside CFT: Celebrating Pride Month

CFT Celebrates Pride Month CFT is proud to join communities across the state and country celebrating Pride Month this year. The first Pride celebration took place on June 28, 1970 to commemorate the Stonewall uprising, when protests swept New York to resist police brutality …

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  Jeffery Freitas · [email protected]

May 26, 2023 at 10:28 PM

Inside CFT: Two CFT members honored with classified employee of the year awards

Two CFT members honored with 2023 community college classified employee of the year awards This week, as we celebrated Classified School Employee Week, the California Community Colleges Board of Governors honored five classified professionals who provide outstanding service s…

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  Jeffery Freitas · [email protected]

May 19, 2023 at 10:55 PM

Inside CFT: Celebrating Classified School Employee Week

Celebrating Classified School Employee Week Classified School Employee Week, which takes place May 21-27 this year, celebrates the support staff and paraprofessionals who help our early childhood centers, schools, and colleges succeed. Classified employees perform essential …

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