The CFT held its first online State Council on May 2. In what may be the highest attendance in recent years, about 140 representatives from local unions tuned in on a Saturday afternoon for the well-managed three-hour Zoom meeting that allowed delegates to vote on numerous policy issues before the Federation.
Members and delegates also discussed what was on everyone’s mind — the possibility reopening schools and colleges in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. Attendees discussed the factors needed to keep educators, classified employees, and students safe at work in live-time conversation and in the Zoom chat. Numerous ideas were put forward to assist in the coming transition and guidelines.
Delegates voted on and passed the following resolutions regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Support the voluntary “Pledge Your Stimulus Check!” campaign
- Support waiver for timeline and special education services under IDEA
Delegates passed another resolution about special education.
They passed two resolutions affecting higher education members.
- Encourage contingent faculty participation in shared governance
- Require Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion training for higher education employees
And one civil rights resolution.
In earlier Executive Council action related to the pandemic, the CFT vice presidents passed a resolution on April 25 in support of the U.S. government using the Defense Production Act.