A&R Picnic - Social Committee Update 7/17/2020

The Pandemic Picnic is sold out for 9/4 and 9/11

The unfortunate news is that all Social Committee events have been canceled through November 2020...this means no Maneeley's picnic, no Red Sox or Yankees games, no Christmas Spectacular, no Foxwoods, no events at all through November 2020...we are still leaving the door open for our annual Holiday Party at the Aqua Turf; we have not yet canceled this event.

So We Got Creative:

Since we couldn't hold our Lake Compounce trip nor our Maneeley's picnic, we put our heads together and worked out a way to hold a summer picnic anyway...so here is our plan:  we will be hosting a "picnic" of sorts in the parking lot of the A&R Office.  It is not the traditional gathering, but rather a "stay-in your car, drive through" picnic.  We will still have food, games, gifts, and prizes for all who attend.  This event is only open to active A&R members. 

This will be different than any picnic we have had before, but we think we can pull this off safely and still have some fun. The good part, everyone still has their LPRTY time available (the half-day for a summer picnic in our contract page 90), so here is your chance to use that time.  The event/s will be held on two consecutive Fridays: Sept 4 and Sept 11 (you choose 1 day) and we are limited to 150 people on each date.  The cost is $10 per person and we have 2 ways to register:

 

1) Pay by Check:  Fill out this form and mail the form and check as indicated
2) Pay by Credit Card: Register online and we will contact you for your credit card info (you MUST leave your phone number so our office staff can call you and take your credit card info over the phone)...don't call us, we will contact you for the c.c. info.

THERE ARE NO WALK-IN REGISTRATIONS...sorry, but, well, COVID.

REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS FRIDAY AUGUST 28th

Meet RC 43's New President

Recently Deb Peterson announced that she would not be seeking another term as President but would like to continue representing RC43 as a delegate.  The usual transfer of office takes place immediately following our Annual Conference.  However, with all NYSUT meetings canceled until at least October 1st, the RC 43 Executive Board has agreed to a transition effective immediately. That means that I am stepping into BIG SHOES effective immediately. 

Statement from Spring Branch (Texas) HFT and Texas AFT on Spring Branch ISD's Hybrid Plan for Reopening Schools

                                                                                                                   

HOUSTON-Statement from Craig Adams, president of the Spring Branch HFT, and Zeph Capo, president of Texas AFT, on Spring Branch Independent School Distr ict1 s decision to have parents choose between their children 1s participation in either in-person learning or distance learning starting in August (Spring Branch is a suburb of Houston):

 

Sundry Items - 7/15/2020

Paychecks:

  • Congratulations everyone, we made an agreement with the State in 2017 which "backloaded" our current contract with consecutive 3.5% General Wage Increases and I am happy to report that we have now received both of those 3.5% GWIs.  The most recent GWI was effective on 6/19/2020 and will appear in your 7/16/2020 paycheck.  Step Increases and TopStepPayments will be made in January 2021.
  • Also, many people will start to see the end of their 3% contribution to the Retiree Healthcare Trust Fund (also referred to as OPEB or RHTF).  Those who were hired between 7/1/2005 and 7/1/2009 began making contributions on 7/1/2010 (roughly, not exactly on that date).  This means the 10 years of contributions has expired (roughly) and the 3% payments will cease in this timeframe.  Those hired prior to 7/1/2005 did not start making payments until 7/1/2013 (roughly), so there are still 3 years (roughly) of payments remaining for this cohort.

HEP Compliance Requirements:

  • HEP compliance requirements for 2020 have been suspended but not necessarily indefinitely. 
  • Compliance requirements may be modified in the future
  • We will provide updates as they develop

Health Insurance Changes:

  • The Healthcare Open Enrollment period has been delayed to September, 2020 and the transition of all employees to Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield is delayed to October 1, 2020
  • The delayed transition means that all employees, retirees and dependents will remain in the plan and with the carrier that they currently have -  with no changes - until October 1, 2020.  There will also be no change to medical/prescription or dental rates until that time.  Any open enrollment events previously scheduled for in person or online will be rescheduled.
  • Increased annual costs to the plans (if any - plan costs fluctuate year-to-year) will be borne over 9 months (rather than 12) starting October 1st.
  • The transition from UnitedHealthcare to Anthem BC/BS will include a new, "less expensive" plan to choose from as well.  More details on the new plan are forthcoming.

Accretions

  • For those titles accreted into A&R after May, 2019 (DOI, DOB, DOL, DOT) we are continuing the negotiations process. Clearly the COVID crisis halted normal routines, but we are now back to negotiating with the State.

Kronos:

  • Although we are still pushing against Kronos, DCF has decided to forge forward with this expensive (and silly and unnecessary) time-tracking system   Right now, only 4 agencies (DCF, DESPP, DVA, DOC) are planning to deploy this system.  DCF will launch on 7/17 while the other 3 agencies will deploy in October/November.  We are still working to limit the impact of Kronos to the membership and the SEBAC unions have sent a Cease and Desist demand to the State.  We will keep everyone informed of developments.

Mandatory COVID 19 Testing:

In the interests of safety, the state is implementing a limited mandatory COVID-19 testing program.  The initial focus is on agencies with direct care/custody responsibilities.  In a nutshell, testing can be required.  If an employee tests positive, they shall be placed on mandatory paid leave for 14 days.  An employee refusing testing shall be immediately placed on unpaid leave.
Click this link to see the two page detailed workplace agreement.

Joint Labor Management Principles Regarding COVID-19 Return to the Workplace

Agencies are slowly starting to bring employees back into the offices.  We recognize that the mission of our employer, to serve the needs of the citizens of Connecticut, must go on.  As employees, we insist that the employer provides us with a safe work environment.  Via SEBAC, the state worked with labor to develop principles regarding COVID-19 and returning to the workplace.  Foremost is the principle of Safety First.  It is the first principle listed.  The second principle listed is Telecommuting First (there are 18 items listed).  Agency staffing needs should preferably be met through volunteerism.  If staffing needs cannot be met by volunteerism, seniority shall be a controlling factor, should that become necessary.   The document also addresses social distancing guidelines, personal protective equipment, office suitability, and a variety of other topics related to workplace safety.  Remember this: Safety Firs!.  Telework First!
Click this link to see the two page Labor/Management Principles Regarding COVID-19 Return to the Workplace.   

 

 

 

 

 

WHAT'S NEW: We Deserve A Clear Plan For School Re-Opening

Sisters and Brothers:

I sincerely hope that all is well with you and your family during this challenging COVID-19 crisis that has gripped metro Detroit, the state of Michigan, our nation, and the world.

The recent uptick in coronavirus cases in Michigan over the last week is concerning. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said last Thursday that, “We can’t let our guard down and play fast and loose with the rules,” referring to her prior directives that state residents wear protective face covering in public establishments.  

AFT Plan to Safely Reopen Schools and Communities

 

Dear Union Members and Allies,

 

I am reaching out in a time of urgent need. The current window is closing for the time to create a back-to-school plan for this fall and current plans do not include adequate provisions for student, teacher, and community safety. I need your help to impress upon our leaders that we need a fall re-opening plan that meet everyone’s needs.

 

At AFT, we have provided the state with our suggestions for a safe school re-opening. I have included this document for you to review. We are actively working with local and state leaders to modify plans and procedures according to concrete evidence from health professionals and the latest research. We want to return to school to teach our students, and we want to do so in a scenario that is safe, sustainable, and responsive to changing conditions.

 

I welcome your concerns, suggestions, and help as we work together to make this happen. Please contact me directly with your feedback. I am including links that you can follow to locate and contact your local leaders to voice your opinions. They need to hear your perspective, your concerns, and suggestions. No one has the unique perspective that you have, and we need others to understand the scene of education as we see it. Your voice deserves to be heard.

 

Visit the link below to find your local representative. Click on the My Legislators tab, and enter your address. Click on the image of the representative and you will then see the contact information for elected officials in your area. Write a short description of your concerns and suggestions and send it off to them. Continue the conversation and express your concerns to the fullest!

https://le.utah.gov/

 

In solidarity, 

 

Ani Ostendorff

AFT Vice President K12 Licensed Employees

AFT Utah

aniostendorff@gmail.com

336-202-1848

 

The Texas Education Agency Releases Recommendations on School Openings

The Texas Education Agency released it's recommendations for how school districts can reopen, but many parents and teachers are asking if its safe.

Click here , Aldine AFT member, Stacey Pugh, and President Candis Houston's response.

Stand With New Mexico Educators for Safe School & Higher Education Re-Opening

The COVID-19 pandemic has been like nothing we have ever experienced, however, from the beginning of the school and higher education closures in March, dedicated public educators have been going above and beyond in service to our students, our communities, and our families.

Schools aren’t just where students take tests and get homework, they’re where they interact, learn life lessons, and develop the social and emotional skills that take them into adulthood. 

They’re also where millions of kids get meals, after-school care, and other important support – all provided by the dedicated educators who share our communities.

New Mexico educators did their best during this Spring’s remote learning, truly “building the plane while flying it,” but still, our students experienced a huge loss of learning, and New Mexico’s lack of digital infrastructure exposed our existing inequities in education.

New Mexico educators want to reopen to at least a hybrid model. Most have been impacted by the coronavirus personally, and they teachers can tell you stories of how their students have been affected.

We strongly endorse reopening if basic safety ‘must haves’ are met:

o   Physical distancing of 6 feet,

o   Increased Hand washing,

o   Face coverings and PPE,

o   Improved Ventilation,

o   Ongoing Labor/Management collaboration.

All this cannot be done on the cheap – these are the investments we mean when we talk about spending more money on education and in our communities, and less money on policing and militarization. This is the stuff that will actually be make or break for our kids.

o   Our national analysis costs out an additional $116.5 billion for instructional staff, distance learning, before- and after-school care, transportation, personal protective equipment, cleaning and health supplies, health staffing, custodial and cleaning staff, meeting children’s social and emotional needs and additional academic support for students.

o   The average school will need to see an extra $1.2 million, or $2,300 per student, to open its doors.

o   This is separate and apart from the $175 billion that all school districts need to retain their educators at a time when state and local revenues are cratering.  

o   We need federal money for this QUICKLY so that high-need districts can do their infrastructure improvements now, if we have any chance of safely reopening in the fall. 

Add your name TODAY (BY CLICKING HERE) to show you stand with New Mexico’s public educators and call on New Mexico’s school districts and higher education institutions to prioritize student and educator safety as mandatory before we re-enter the academic year. 

Disclaimer

By signing this petition, you are allowing AFT New Mexico to contact you regarding this or future public education campaigns.

LWTECH'S FEDERATION OF TEACHERS (AFT LOCAL 3533)

Welcome to the Local's website. This site was last updated by Vice President Greg Bem in July 2020.

Subscribe to Stateweb RSS