Illegal Wage Garnishment by GDOE
Have you been impacted by an illegal wage garnishment? This is a critical issue that requires your immediate attention. GFT has recently become aware that the Department of Education (DOE) is asserting overpayment of salary and/or differential pay, affecting...
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.
The Guam Education Board Looks to End Cohorts for All Grade Levels
The Guam Education Board (GEB) looks to end cohorts for all grade levels by moving to 100% face-to-face instruction by Monday, November 29, 2021. The school community is advised to pay close attention to the next GEB meeting scheduled for Tuesday, November 23, 2021,...
Happy Thanksgiving from your Union Family
This year has been challenging in ways that make it feel like an entire decade has passed by. That is why now, more than ever, it is important to pause to take inventory of the things we are thankful for. With so much hurt and pain socially, politically, and with...
AFT settles student debt lawsuit, wins big gains for borrowers
The AFT, AFT President Randi Weingarten and eight individual AFT member plaintiffs have reached a landmark settlement with the U.S. Department of Education in the case Weingarten v. DeVos, and as a result tens of thousands of student loan borrowers can expect imminent...
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...