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%.  

The new location of the BCCE and BFT office is 1432 University Avenue, between Acton Street and Sacramento Street.

Our office is located in a mini strip mall off of University Avenue.  The entrance to our complex is on the south side of University Avenue, between Sacramento Street and Acton Street.  To enter, turn into the driveway by the "Monte Cristo Taqueria" and proceed to the double doors at the end of that complex (the complex also includes a beauty salon and a dollar store).  You must be headed east on University Avenue in order to turn into the driveway.  There is parking available in front of the new office.

If the double doors are not propped open, please ring the doorbell to our office.

Currently, you cannot access our office from the old Andronico's parking lot (because the entire parking lot is fenced off).

BFT and BCCE will continue to share this new office. The BCCE phone number and fax number will remain the same. The following link shows a map, a photo, arrows, and directions: New BCCE Union Office at 1432 University Ave

If you'd like to see the new place, we'd be glad to set up an appointment for you to stop by! (510-540-5002)

The most recent newsletter is added as a .PDF under the "Local Newsletters" tab.

Winning the 2010 Public Employee of the Year award was an honor for privilege to NDPEA member Kayla Smith. She tells her story here, and learn how you can nominate a public worker and NDPEA member to win this year's prize at the 2012 NDPEA Delegate Assembly in Bismarck on Sept. 20-22.

AFT Innovation Fund Invests in Expanded Learning Time