Defined Benefit (DB) 1.75 Retirement Plan
You may have a limited window to elect to switch your plan from the current Defined Contribution Plan to the new Defined Benefit 1.75 Plan effective January 1, 2024. This is a big decision with long-term impacts, so I wanted to provide some key facts to consider....
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.
NURSING UPDATE
As a result of GFT and GDOE meetings regarding nursing concerns, Lieutenant Governor Tenorio and the Department of Health and Human Services Leadership discussed the follow changes regarding GDOE School Health Counselors who are nine month employees: Lt. Governor...
BOOKWAVES LAUNCHES ON GUAM
GFT is pleased to announce that in conjunction with AFT, First Book, and the BookWaves Coalition, more than 40,000 free books will be distributed to students and children in Guam. The official announcement was made during a press conference Thursday morning.ย You can...
PIZZA HUT BOOK-IT PACKETS NOW AVAILABLE
The Pizza Hut BOOK-IT! program motivates children to ready by rewarding their reading accomplishments with praise, recognition and pizza! The packets are now available for elementary teachers aft the GFT office in Mangilao. Packets will be distributed on a first come,...
PPE DONATION FOR HEALTHCARE WORKERS
GFT would like to thank the Chinese American Fraternal Organization, C100 and the American Federation of Teachers for donating PPE to healthcare workers on Guam. C100 donated 400 n95 masks for healthcare professionals and were distributed by GFT to members of the...
GUAM EDUCATION BOARD CANDIDATE RESPONSES
GFT's Committee on Political Education (COPE) is working to keep members and voters educated for the upcoming election. COPE sent out a questionnaire to candidates running for the Guam Education Board with issues relevant to our members. You can find the responses...
GUAM SENATORIAL CANDIDATES ON THE ISSUES
GFT's COPE Committee (Committee on Political Education) is dedicated to ensuring members are updated and educated when it comes to elections. The Progressive Democrats of Guam (PDG) submitted a 6-question survey to all Senatorial candidates on October 1st. PDG's...
GDOE HIGH SCHOOL START TIMES
GDOE has decided to let school communities vote on schedules for high schools during virtual instruction. Teachers should have received a survey this week via their GDOE email. If you did not receive one, please contact your leadership team.
FERPA: AN UNINTENTIONAL VIOLATION
Distance learning is new to educators and students.ย Things in K-12 are done differently now and that can lead to unintentional violations of the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act.ย Be sure you are aware of FERPA in order to avoid a violation. Avoid revealing the...
LAWSUIT UPDATE
On Tuesday, October 6, Attorneys of Razzano, Walsh, and Torres, P.C. filed a lawsuit on behalf of Government of Guam employees who did not receive double pay during the emergency period. The press release on the lawsuit can be found here.
GFT OFFICE TO REOPEN FOR APPOINTMENTS ONLY
Beginning Monday, October 5, the GFT staff will be back in the office at 25% capacity. Should any member or prospective member need assistance, please call the office at 735-4390 to schedule an appointment. Entry into the building is only permitted if you have an...
GFT-GDOE TELEWORKING CONCERNS
As many of you know, GFT's President and Vice-President have been working with GDOE to bring forth teacher concerns regarding teleworking during this pandemic. Here are some things that have been discussed: Issues with hard copy curriculum Grading criteria for online...
GEB CANDIDATE CONTACT INFORMATION
GFT's COPE (Committee on Political Action) is looking to reach out to candidates running to serve on the Guam Education Board. COPE would like to send them a list of questions with the intention of deciding if there is a candidate to endorse based on how their ideals...