As we head into a period of prolonged scarcity we’re going to have to make some hard choices. Thus far, we are pleased that the Chancellor and the Board have been very clear about their desire to avoid take backs. However, two areas of concern that have surfaced...
Schwarzenegger’s plan would reshape education in California
The state's powerful teachers unions criticize the governor's sweeping proposals, including merit pay for teachers. The plan would help qualify the state for Obama administration funds. By Jason Song and Jason Felch August 21, 2009 Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger called on...
Message to Our Students
Dear Faculty and Staff Colleagues, Next week, we will all be inundated with students. The current class cancellations due to the State budget reductions, in addition to a record high student demand will provide the perfect mix for tens of thousands of students to not...
Mahler Letter to Obama
Colleagues, Below please find the text of my letter to President Obama urging him to ensure a public option remains a part of his health care reform package. Please take a few minutes out of your busy schedule to plagiarize my letter and send your own version to him....
The Public Option Versus Mob Rule Inc.
"The best lack all conviction, while the worst Are full of passionate intensity." William Butler Yeats, "The Second Coming" It was a long hot summer for members of the House and Senate heading back to town hall meetings on healthcare reform. They were met by crowds of...
Labor Studies Program in Jeopardy
Enroll Now–Don't Delay! AFT Members are eligible for a full refund of both tuition and book costs for enrolling in any Labor Studies course. DUE TO STATE BUDGET CUTS, THESE CLASSES (AND THE ENTIRE LABOR STUDIES PROGRAM) ARE IN DANGER OF BEING CANCELED IF WE DON'T...
National Call-In Day for Health Care Reform
Dear Jim Mahler, Across the country as a part of a nationwide call-in day, tens of thousands of union members like you are calling their representatives demanding real health care reform. Please take just a few moments to contact your Congressional representative and...
A Budget Is About Choices. What Do These Choices Say About Us?
A Budget Is About Choices. What Do These Choices Say About Us? No doubt, these are difficult economic times, and crafting a deal to close the budget gap that has emerged since February is no small order, particularly when California’s legislators are hamstrung by a...
AFT Wins Grossmont/Cuyamaca Faculty Representation Election!
As a result of the ballot count held last Friday at the Public Employment Relations Board (PERB) office in Glendale, I am happy to report that your AFT Guild, Local 1931 has won the representation election for the Grossmont/Cuyamaca faculty by a nearly 2-1 margin! The...
Advocacy Efforts Needed on Healthcare Reform Bill
The AFT strongly supports a healthcare reform plan that will guarantee high-quality and affordable healthcare for all Americans. Effective reform will: • Establish a viable and comprehensive public plan option that will guarantee high-quality, affordable coverage. •...