Advocate for Fairness: Support the New Overtime Rules for Low-Paid Workers
In today's ever-changing economic landscape, it's crucial to stand up for workers' rights and fair compensation. The United States Department of Labor (DOL) has proposed a significant change that could positively impact the lives of countless low-paid salary workers....
Representing GovGuam Agencies and Alutiiq Bus Drivers
GFT, AFT Local 1581, exclusively represents the Guam Department of Education Teachers and Support Staff, Guam Memorial Hospital Nurses and Staff, University of Guam Support Staff, Guam Community College Support Staff, Guam Waterworks, Guam Fire Department, Department of Public Health and Social Services Eligibility Specialists, Guam Port Authority, Department of Public Works Bus Drivers, Alutiiq Bus Drivers, Guam Police Department, Customs and Quarantine, Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness Center and the Department of Corrections, Port Authority of Guam Police I and II, Port Security Guard (Armed), Psychiatric Nurses, Psychiatric Technicians, and Department of Public Works Sanitation Division.
Year-long Education to Make Up for Lost Instruction
The Pacific News Center ran a story on October 4, 2021 where they quote Guam Education Board (GEB) member Robert Crisostomo saying: We need to close the gap on the education that’s missing. It’s going to take a while to catch up. But we got to catch up somewhere and...
Stop Blaming Teachers!
The Guam Daily Post ran an article entitled Tensions rise at education board special meeting over budget where GFT President Tim Fedenko lays blame on lawmakers and the governor for woefully under funding the Guam Department of Education (GDOE). In response, Guam...
Minimum Wage for Salary Employees
Once again it is time to talk about the low wages in Guam. Yep, Guam needs a raise. The minimum wage is the lowest wage that employers can legally pay their employees. When it comes to the government of Guam, ensuring that working families in Guam are earning at least...
JIC RELEASE NO. 798 – DPHSS Issues Guidance Memos 2021-28; Isolation Clearance Letters Available Via Email
Today, the Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) issued DPHSS Guidance Memo 2021-28, which provides additional guidance relative to persons with a documented previous COVID-19 infection. Individuals who have contracted and recovered from COVID-19...
Recognizing Labor Leaders Who Shaped Our Future
What do you think of when you see Labor Day on your calendar? A sunny summer day, barbecues, a school holiday, or maybe the time of year that signals it is ready to go back to school. You may even think briefly about unions, knowing that unionized workers made...
GDOE and Private Schools Move Online
Teachers and Staff: Report to work as usual. Await further guidance from your school principal. Check your work emails. Students: The tentative start date of online classes is set for September 07, 2021. Executive Order 2021-21: RELATIVE TO SUSPENDING IN-PERSON...
DODEA School Bus Drivers Enjoy New and Improved Contract
The Guam Federation of Teachers has just completed the negotiation and ratification of a new and improved COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT (cba) for DODEA School Bus drivers. The new contract will remain in effect until June 30, 2024 The new contract requires the...
Nurse Pay Not Budgeted in FY2022
Governor Leon Guerrero approved a 15% increase in base salary with differential pay ranging from 10% to 25% in June, the Department of Administration emphasized that the fiscal impact must be incorporated into the Fiscal Year 2022 and subsequent budgets. DOA estimated...
Welcome Back SY2021-2022
Educators have just been through the second-most challenging year of their professional lives. What’s the most challenging year? The one that starts this fall. Schools will face an enormous pressure to make up for lost time. Schools face staffing shortages with...
Metformin as False Positive
As you know another school year is rapidly approaching and at the beginning of every school year, drug testing of public employees can be expected. GFT Field Representatives have noticed that employees using the prescription medication Metformin to control their...
Letter to GPD/DOC
Although there has been no official announcement, we are hearing rumors circulating that the DOC will require all officers to be vaccinated for the coronavirus. This is to ensure that you aware of GFT’s opposition to any such requirement. Reason being, DOC is not...
GFT Entering Negotiations with GDOE for Teachers and Support Staff Employees
Letters the School Board and the Superintendent went out last week to commence negotiations on working conditions. If you are a GFT member who is interested in negotiating your working conditions, let us know as soon as possible at (671)735-4390 and tell us you are...