The History of the Yonkers Federation of Teachers is now available.

As a union, we feel it is vitally important that Building Representatives be the first avenue of defense and that issues should be resolved at the building level when possible. It is difficult for Building Representatives to be effective if they are not kept abreast of the issues within their building.

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What LFT General Counsel Larry Samuel says about Act 1: "...this is another example of a total and utter disregard of the opinions of the persons who are in the best position to suggest changes that are in the students’ best interest: the educators who work with our students each day in the classroom. This is yet another example of laws being forced from above, without so much as asking for your input. It is time for this lack of dignity and this disrespect to end."

This afternoon, the Michigan Court of Appeals affirmed our position and an earlier Court of Claims ruling that the Legislature’s imposition of the 3 percent retiree healthcare deduction from school employees’ paychecks is unconstitutional. The Attorney General is likely to appeal to the Michigan Supreme Court. Until a final decision is reached, the deductions will remain in the escrow account.

This is another victory in defense of our rights and we are confident that we will ultimately prevail and get your money back to you. Unfortunately, as you know, the Legislature yesterday passed SB 1040, which eliminates retiree health care for new hires, while increasing costs for current employees and retirees. Even after we win this lawsuit, we will all be paying more for retirement.

We will continue to provide you accurate information as we get it, and remember, the Supreme Court justices we elect this November will be the ones deciding whether you get your money back or not.

-David Hecker, AFT Michigan President

Members of the La Joya and McAllen Federation of Teachers gathered for a press conference on August 9, 2012, to learn about a new initiative from the American Federation of Teachers called, "Share My Lesson."  It is a website where all teachers can register to upload/download effective lessons and strategies they think might be helpful to other teachers around the world.  Speaking at the press conference was Louis Malfaro, Texas AFT Secretary Treasurer; Ruth Skow, McAllen AFT President; Greg Barrerra, La Joya AFT President; Barbara Gonzalez, McAllen AFT Member/Kindergarten Teacher; and Torchy Champion, McAllen AFT Member/Teacher.

The AFT 6049 Oklahoma President Ed McIntosh will be addressing members periodically to let them know not only what is going on with the union, but how they can help. Check the tab titled "News from the President" frequently to stay informed.

What research & experts are saying about charter schools

The Baltimore County Federation of Public Employees (BCFPE) has reached an agreement with the Baltimore County administration on healthcare provisions to be included in the union’s next contract and has reached a tentative agreement on a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the county.

UPDATE

 August 29, 2012 BCFPE Members RATIFIED the FY2013 - FY2015 Tentative Agreement reached with BCG, by a vote of 99%.