This is the fall 2013 federation newsletter. fall_2013_newsletter.pdf

These are the minutes from the October 7 2013 E-Board meeting. oct_7_2013_e-board_meeting_minutes.pdf

"Thousands of part-time college professors are joining labor unions, a growing trend in higher education that's boosting the ranks of organized labor and giving voice to teachers who complain about low pay and a lack of job security at some of the nation's top universities."

Click here to view our November Newsletter.

MIDDLEBURY, VT -- On November 7th Porter nurses voted 72-58 to form their union and join Vermont Federation of Nurses and Health Professionals, AFT Vermont. The nurses voted yes despite an onslaught of aggressive anti-union tactics by the hospital administration.

Because 16 of the votes cast were challenged by one side or the other and thus not counted, the National Labor Relations Board will hold hearings to determine the final tally.   

If you are tired of high stakes testing, APPR nonsense and more, this chance to give voice to those concerns at a peaceful and respectful protest would be a way to get involved and take action. Hope to see you there.

A Forum Outside of the Forum

State supported higher education provides opportunities for children of working families to earn a degree and live a middle class life. State colleges and universities also provide workers opportunities to further their careers with affordable continuing education and certifications. Whether it is an early educator who wants to provide the best possible service for the children she cares for, or a recent high school graduate who isn’t sure yet what he wants to do for his career, Vermonters should have access to high quality, affordable higher education.

National and local union leaders spent time on Nov. 1 in two Baltimore City public schools that are turning an AFT Innovation Fund grant into food for thought—and laying the groundwork for constructive implementation of the Common Core State Standards in the process.

By Gemma Abels

The Santa Clara County Board of Education is about to decide an appeal for the creation of more charter schools, this time in Morgan Hill.   The Morgan Hill Unified School District Board of Education took a brave stand against charter management organizations in favor of preserving, improving, and re-defining our neighborhood schools.  This decision has the backing of educators, community members, and parents in the district. This is a decision about how to define quality public education.