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Hot Off The Press: May 2010 |
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Volume 2 Issue 13 May 2010 STAFF GUILD HIGHLIGHTS· The “March for California’s Future”: On March 5, 2010 the CFT and a diverse coalition of labor held a Kick-Off Rally in LA to launch a 48-day march from Bakersfield to Sacramento to highlight the need for change to fund education and social services. Many different unions, including 1521A, participated in the march to bring these important issues to the attention of Sacramento legislators and demand change. Classified and Faculty from Early Childhood Education, K-12 through adult education, community colleges, and universities demonstrated to educate the public about the impact of years of state budget cuts. Enough is enough! Key goals of the march: o Reclaim the promise of quality public education and serviceso Rebuild a state government that works for everyoneo Restore fair and equitable taxes to fund California’s futureo Register and engage voters For the final update on the march visit the website at www.fight4cafuture.com. Over 35 Staff Guild members participated in the march. Many thanks to our activists and those who attended the final rally on April 21, 2010 in Sacramento. · “Renewing California’s Promise 2010”; California Labor Federation’s Joint Legislative Conference: The conference was held March 8 and 9 in Sacramento where legislative bills were reviewed and discussed. Attendees were Velma Butler, Sandra Lepore, Dorothy Bates, Dorothy Mundt, and Dorothy T. Rowe. Guest of honor was the newly elected Speaker of the Assembly, John A. Perez, who gave the keynote address. Speaker Perez urged us to not let up and to demand a fair budget with all services reinstated especially to education. He also made a commitment that the state budget process will be open and transparent. · Initiative for the Majority Budget Act: California Federation of Teachers worked in coalition with other public sector unions to put the Majority Budget Act on the November 2010 ballot. This ballot measure would reduce the undemocratic 2/3 super majority currently required to pass a state budget to a simple majority of 50% + 1. This measure is needed so we are not held hostage by legislators who cannot pass a fair and decent budget in a timely matter. · Oregon Legislator attended the CFT Convention: Legislator Michael Dembrow from Oregon was a featured speaker who along with voters demanded tax increases to corporations and the rich to balance the budget and to prevent cuts and layoffs. They were successful and passed legislation in late 2009 so fair taxes will be paid. Congratulations to Oregon! · CFT Resolutions presented by CCE and the Staff Guild at the Convention were: o Public Employee Collective Bargaining Rightso Employee Workload and Adequate Staffingo 2010 Census in Schoolso Medical Treatment in schools by Medical Professionals Onlyo Breast Cancer Prevention,Treatment and Serviceso Safe Transportation for America’s Students · Judge Orders Back Pay for 53,000 Furloughed State Workers: An Alameda County judge ordered back pay and an immediate end to furloughs for 53,000 workers whose salaries are drawn from other funding sources outside of the state’s General Fund. Attorneys for Governor Schwarzenegger are expected to appeal and seek a stay. SEIU Local 1000 said the decision of the judge was validated and that to unilaterally impose furloughs is illegal. The court was asked to apply the decision immediately and block the stay; this is a hardship that impacts members and their families. · Victory in Rio Tinto Lockout: The entire labor movement from the Docks to the Dessert had a hand in this victory when Brothers and Sisters were locked out of the Boron Mine in Rio Tinto, CA. They needed our support and Labor rallied against hiring of low-pay workers to replace the union workers. The LA County Federation of Labor coordinated a caravan of trucks filled with food, water and brought solidarity to the workers. On April 16, 2010, there was a Picket Line and Rally at the British Consulate in LA to tell the British corporation, Rio Tinto, that they can’t starve out American Workers. The Los Angeles labor movement celebrated the announcement on May 14 of a tentative settlement. · AFT Staff Guild Activities Coordinators: Congratulations to Cathy Sutherland, City College, and Robert Crossley, Mission College on their appointment. The coordinators will assist the local in organizing members for action in our communities and within the labor movement.
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Hot Off the Press Hot Off The Press: May 2010
Hot Off the Press Hot Off The Press: May 2010
