Colleagues,

October 26, 2017 — “There is little accountability for management when it punishes university employees for speaking out about their working conditions. Two members of my union are now facing this problem…. United Faculty and Academic Staff is circulating a petition that calls for the reinstatement of these two instructors and an end to intimidation of university employees who speak out about their working conditions.”

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October 23, 2017 — “We believe our jobs were taken away because of our union activism.” In this AFT Voices blog post, UFAS member Alyssa Franze explains how UFAS is opposing anti-union intimidation of workers at UW-Madison.

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We will not be intimidated: Fighting on for equity
By Alyssa Franze

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Every year, at the NYSUT Regional Office Leadership Conference, educators from all around Central New York gather to talk about union issues, share ideas, and develop ways to improve their schools and their profession.  And, while they're at it, they support a vital community effort--Strides Against Breast Cancer.

This year was no exception.  

From October 13th to 15th, more than 150 unionists gathered in Alexandria Bay for this important conference and at the same time worked to raise money for the American Cancer Society's fight against breast cancer.  Through donations from individuals and union locals, this Strides event raised $17,920!

And the APA was part of that effort.  This year's event theme was "50's Sock Hop," so we got into the mood by creating a basket full of amusements from that famous decade;  candies, toys, games, vintage comics and 45's, and nostalgic videos all added to the fun.  Member donations made it possible for our local to create a basket for the raffle, and APA Vice-president Ellis Gage Searles, who co-chaired the event, delivered it on our behalf.  There was a very impressive array of creative baskets, but we do believe ours held its own!

The Baltimore Teachers Union held their 35th annual QuEST Conference and Health Fair. There were a number of breakout sessions, panels and conversations that all worked to give BTU members tools and resources to help them better serve their young people.

Two locals in the federation came together to let their voices be heard. City Union of Baltimore retirees joined with leadership and Baltimore Teachers Union retirees to testify at a city council hearing about changes to the prescription drug benefits plan for Baltimore city retirees. CUB President Antoinette Ryan-Johnson kicked off the panel.

Two locals in the federation came together to let their voices be heard. City Union of Baltimore retirees joined with leadership and Baltimore Teachers Union retirees to testify at a city council hearing about changes to the prescription drug benefits plan for Baltimore city retirees. CUB President Antoinette Ryan-Johnson kicked off the panel.

The Maryland Classified Employees Association held their 82nd Annual Convention in Ocean City, MD during the second week of October. The convention featured notable state labor and political leaders as well as the important work of charting the course forward for MCEA. Elections were held at the convention and President Linda Day was once again re-elected.