Madison, WI – Faculty, students, and staff across the UW System are reacting to the recent news that the largest UW System reorganization in 40 years was an “open secret” at the Capitol.  According to a report from Wisconsin Public Radio (WPR), “Before faculty, staff and students learned about the plan to eliminate the two-year UW Colleges and UW-Extension, UW System President Ray Cross had discussed it with a lawmaker who called for similar action in 2015.”  In a clear disregar

Fresh from the printer, our 2016-2021 contract books are now available. We are methodically distributing them to members to facilitate one-to-one and small-group interactions, as this provides a fantastic opportunity for member engagement. 

How do you get your copy?

Members of AFT-Maryland locals got the attention of Baltimore's WJZ Channel 13 on the recent Lobby Night trip to Annapolis. WJZ's George Solis spoke with the president of the City Union of Baltimore, Antoinette Ryan-Johnson as well as the... 

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The AFT-Maryland brought four buses of members, labor leaders, community members, students and parents to Annapolis for its annual Lobby Night. Draped in the federation’s well known royal blue, and equipped with packets full of important notes on the legislative priorities important to the members of the federation, members from unions and community groups alike all came with the same message: FUNDING.

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We are asking you to reach out to your New Hampshire State Representatives in advance of February 7^th when the NH House reconvenes. Please take this ACTION to contact your state representative(s) directly and ask them to support passage of HB 413. 

HB 413, defeated by the House back in early January by a narrow margin of 6 votes, will come back for another vote on February 7 or 8.  Remember this bill passed by a huge majority, 265-83, on February 15, 2017. We are asking you to help persuade your legislators that it is time to honor the State’s promised commitment, stop the downshifting of costs onto local taxpayers, and provide localities with the property tax relief needed to permit funding of existing programs and facilities, never mind improvements or even expansions! Please tell your representatives that it is time the NH House provided relief to local property taxpayers and fulfilled prior promises.

In January, Education Week released its latest comparison of educational achievement among the states, and once again, Louisiana is near the bottom of the list. In fact, we are among the only eight states to score lower than a “C” on the publication’s list.

Louisiana earned a D+, ranking us alongside Alabama, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Arizona, and Idaho. Only New Mexico and Nevada had lower grades.

In sum, neither I nor AFT-NH see any logical or sound pedagogical reason for a five year “trial” period for teachers.  They are professionals charged with carrying out the sacred duty of educating tomorrow’s citizenry.  Bearing that heavy responsibility, they deserve respect and the right to answer and to challenge when not recommended for rehire.  Three years is certainly enough time to identify, work with, and perhaps even non-renew those not deemed adequate to bear these heavy responsibilities.  It is on that basis, then, that AFT-NH and I support HB 1277.

BCFPE has received a hearing notice for the 911 Center pay grievance pending at the Court of Special Appeals. The hearing date has been set for March 6, 2018.