Fall 2020
Volume 11, Number 1

Index

Conference views pandemic with 2020 vision

At the first Virtual Classified Conference last weekend, attendees learned valuable info about support available to staff during the pandemic. Yes, there was much-needed fun too — a happy hour “celebrating classified with 2020 vision.” Find key info about pandemic support programs, and photos too.

 

Members volunteer to feed communities in need

Unions are on the frontlines of supporting families facing food insecurity. Classified employee volunteers have helped provide food to thousands of families this fall. See these amazing members in action – with lots of photos!

 

Union locals preserve jobs, defeat layoff proposals

With COVID cases on some campuses and “normal” a long way off, AFT local unions have saved many classified jobs. Here’s how unions are standing up for support staff!

 

Four new state laws you need to know about

What happens if you contract COVID-19 at work? A new state law says that an employee’s COVID-related illness may be an occupational injury, making the worker eligible for Workers’ Comp benefits. Plus a change for personnel commissions, and more. Get our quick take on the new laws.

 

YOUR UNION IN ACTION

Did you know Carl Williams was elected an AFT Vice President?

Yes, this is a big deal! Council of Classified Employees President Carl Williams was elected to the AFT Executive Council this summer. This makes him California’s first classified employee, and first Black person, to serve on the national union’s executive board. Read our short Q&A with Carl here.

Need a lifeline? The Summer Assistance program

The CFT and others lobbied successfully to continue funding for the Classified School Employee Summer Assistance program. “I was excited about the program. It’s a no-brainer,” said Molly Lavilla, president of Merced’s Weaver Union School District, one of the AFT locals participating in the program. Get the full scoop here.

Do you have a high school senior headed to college?

The CFT offers scholarships to high school seniors and continuing college students who are children or dependents of CFT members in good standing. Through this benefit of membership, the union has helped hundreds of students reach their higher education goals by awarding them Raoul Teilhet Scholarships. The deadline for high school senior applications is December 15. Learn about our program here.

CORONAVIRUS TOOLKIT

Our toolkit has tons of resources for support staff

The CFT has compiled a lot of helpful resources for members, but did you know there are many specifically for classified employees, paraprofessionals and support staff? Here are a few.