Classified Articles
Classified
News for and about classified employees and paraprofessionals working in public schools and community colleges, and support staff in private schools.
CFT fights for death benefit equity
To help cover the average funeral cost of $7,775, CalSTRS pays survivors $6,163 when a retired teacher dies.
But when a retired classified employee member of CalPERS dies, beneficiaries are paid only $2,000. To close that gap, CFT sponsored AB 2606, carried by Assemblyman Tony Mendoza, D-Norwalk, calling for an increase in the classified death benefit to $6,000 over four years.
Instructional support staff choose AFT as their union
An independent association, the Instructional Support Services Unit, has represented classified staff at Pasadena City College since 1991. Relations on the campus have been generally good, until about five years ago, when more than 200 employees took early retirement and the ongoing economic crisis brought staggering budget cuts.
“We needed to get stronger to protect our members,” said Association President Alice Araiza. “We wanted a union that was reputable, strong and nationally respected.”
Extreme Makeover: Compton style
The building for rent on South Long Beach Avenue wasn’t much to look at, but officers of the Compton Council of Classified Employees could see exciting new possibilities for their union. First, though, AFT Local 6119 would need to move a wall, install a floor, and paint.
How could the union, which represents 540 employees of the Compton Unified School District, pay for that kind of remodeling? Sweat equity.
CFT budget analysis saves classified jobs in Aromas
At the bargaining table June 8, administrators of the Aromas-San Juan Unified School District proposed layoffs, demotions, and reduced hours for a third of the 68 members of the Federation of Classified Employees. Most of the member negotiators would feel the cuts personally.
Two visitors saved the day: A sympathetic member of the school board joined the district team, and the CFT budget analyst joined the classified team.
Lawndale organizes workers in afterschool program
District voluntarily recognizes 90 workers who provide enrichment to district students
More than 90 academic support employees staffing a successful extracurricular program in the Lawndale Elementary School District recently joined the ranks of the AFT, granting them the same workplace rights as unionized classified employees in the Los Angeles County K-8 district.
Berkeley workers succeed in quest for AFT representation
Operations and support workers reunite with colleagues in Local 6192
For nearly a decade, classified employees in the Berkeley Unified School District were divided between two unions, but when a majority of operations and support workers signed petitions to be represented by the Berkeley Council of Classified Employees, AFT Local 6192, they were reunited. In December the school board agreed to the workers’ decision.