In Tom’s absence, I’d like to speak to some of PFTCE’s 2008-2009 accomplishments.
In August of 2008, we held an Executive Board retreat, and set goals for the 2008-2009 school year. We talked about things we needed to accomplish to keep improving our union. We brainstormed ways to make our Union more visible in the schools, continuing our communications with the newsletter and e-mails, putting a 21st century face on the PFTCE web site, improving our membership meetings by moving them around the district, reopening our contract, and showing the district that PFTCE stands behind its members with total representation. We were successful in reaching most of our goals.
Member meetings set record attendance last year, and that participation led to some great communication in our buildings, and in our relationship with PPS. We stood up for ourselves, and gained a great deal of respect along the way. People actually felt a connection to their union, and wanted to become involved. That was demonstrated by the filling of two VP positions on the Executive Board.
We also made strides in our relationships with our fellow unions when our Field Rep, and Board VP, Belinda Reagan was re-elected VP on the AFT-Oregon Executive Council, as well as successfully supporting our COPE VP, Louise Currin, elected as the VP Political Action for AFT-Oregon. PFTCE’s presence and participation were felt in the conventions of AFT-Oregon, AFL/CIO, and PSRP. Last January, four representatives of our local were part of AFT-Oregon’s Winter School, PFTCE Board VPs Cathy Arrington and Thea Stayton attended AFT’s ULI West this July. An article appears in this newsletter describing what they took away from the conference.
Your Executive Board met again at the July 2009 retreat, and looked towards the 2009-2010 school year as we aspire to achieve new goals. January 2009 began the bargaining re-opener on wages and benefits. Our continuous focus with this contract session is seeking to increase wages and establish a continual step system, and revisit benefits. In addition, we are making certain that the District’s “Classification Study” works to the best interest of our members. The bargaining team will, of course, keep you informed.
The finance committee has produced the 2009-2010 PFTCE budget, and it was presented to members at our September 16th meeting. Once again, this summer, we had an excellent audit, thanks to the detailed work, and accuracy, of Treasurer Michelle Batten, and our Administrative Assistant Allison Houghton. For a second year, AFT National conducted our audit, saving us thousands of dollars over past years. Another savings is being generated by bringing the PFTCE website in-house, with Allison now keeping the site updated regularly. Thank you, Michelle and Allison!
With a goal of increasing our membership by at least 10 %, Field Rep Belinda Reagan is constantly working to bring new members to the Union cause. We are hoping to bring our full membership back up to 80%.
This summer, we experienced unassignments and layoffs in large numbers, but with the determination and perseverance of our Field Rep, many of these classified employees were rehired. Many people have been recalled, and are once more employed, thanks to Belinda and the staff in HR.
Your Health and Welfare Trustees, Tom Smith, Belinda Reagan, and I, are committed to working closely with the Trust to ensure that our members get the most “bang for their healthcare buck.” Our employee contributions will not be increasing this February due to the diligence of the Trustees. This year, as Trustees, we re-established the monthly H&W meetings with fellow labor trustees from PAT and DCU. We believe that reconnecting with the other PPS Labor groups is wise, as strength in numbers is a winning strategy
We also plan to increase member participation in Union related trainings, and at our conventions. The 2008-2009 budget allowed three additional people to be elected delegates to the AFT-OR Convention. The convention is a wonderful experience, and we’re delighted that so more were able to participate in this educational opportunity. Your UNION provides these opportunities to further your educational interest in Union ideology; opportunities are posted in the newsletters, on our website, and also may arrive via email. You’re never too old to learn!!!!
We will continue to have our traveling member meetings, with our next meeting scheduled for November 4th, at Holladay School. Future meeting dates are on the back of the pocket calendars sent to your worksites recently.
Fundraising for the PFTCE Scholarship Fund will continue to provide a cash scholarship to deserving a high school senior who is the child or grandchild of a PFTCE full member. Last spring, PFTCE was pleased to award a $500.00 scholarship to Austin Graves of Jefferson High School. I think it’s just wonderful that this Union of workers in the educational field, can come together and financially help students to further their education.
In addition, PFTCE member, Eva Gonzalez (Bi-lingual EA) received the AFT-Oregon “Shirley J. Gold Scholarship” for $1000! Eva and her family enjoyed a relaxing stay at Sunriver, and we were excited to present this award to such an outstanding employee. All scholarship application information is available on our website at PFTCE.org.
We will now have two Executive Board retreats a year to brainstorm and set goals for your Union. Your input is always welcome. All Executive Board members will attend AFT’s Winter School, and our second retreat of 2009-2010 will be held at that time.
And, of course, we will continue to strive to represent all PFTCE members fairly, with honesty and integrity.
This is the State of PFTCE…the oldest AFT chartered UNION west of the Mississippi. Happy birthday, PFTCE! You look darned good for having turned NINETY on September 17th!! I am proud and honored to be your Executive Vice President.
-EVP Becky Wright