BESE Report – August 2015

Louisiana’s big business lobby is on track to spend an unprecedented amount on races for the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education this fall.

The AFT executive council voted overwhelmingly on July 11 to endorse Hillary Clinton in the 2016 Democratic primary for president of the United States. The AFT is the first national union to endorse a presidential candidate this year. "In vision, in experience and in leadership, Hillary Clinton is the champion working families need in the White House," says AFT President Randi Weingarten.

AFT published an in-depth article today on Scott Walker's attacks on the UW System - and how AFT-Wisconsin members are fighting back:

"It's hard to miss the rumble out in Wisconsin: The battle between labor and its union-bashing foes has been loud and long. But for faculty and staff of public colleges and universities, the Wisconsin story is even worse...  'People have been demoralized, and everyone recognizes the new challenges, but it has galvanized a lot of people to become active in the union,' says [UW-Green Bay union member Jon] Shelton."

Read the full story at aft.org - and share it with family, friends, and coworkers!

The Jefferson Parish School Board’s approval of a collective bargaining agreement with the Jefferson Federation of Teachers marks the return of teacher voice in educational decisions and a culture of collaboration, which have been rejected for the last three years by the former board.

Click here to download a PDF of the ratified contract.

2015-2016 Member Survey

In an interview broadcast Sunday, Governor Chris Christie said teachers' unions "are the single most destructive force in public education in America," and deserve "a punch in the face."

UPDATE 8/13/15
CTDOL is expected to re-issue the "bumping" options offered to the employees noticed for layoff. The initial bumping options omitted statewide lateral displacement and omitted use of comparable classes. The State has now acknowledged its misinterpretation of our contract and will be re-issuing the "bumping options".on Thursday August 13 or Friday August 14.

School building representatives joined LFT President Steve Monahan, LFT Benefits Coordinator, Cynthia Posey and CFT President, Teri Johnson for lunch at Pat's of Henderson. Topics discussed: the recent legislative session, new membership benefits for the 2015-16 school year, as well as plans for a successful start to the new school year.

The Union is hosting a Lunch and Learn meeting at 25 Sigourney St (Dept of Revenue Services) from 11:30 - 12:30 on Thursday, August 6th in conference room A&B.  Lunch and Learn meetings provide the opportunity to meet face-to-face with your Union leaders to discuss the challenges and opportunities unique to your agency.  You must utilize your lunch break to attend this Union meeting, so plan your time accordingly.   Sandwiches and beverages will be provided.