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.
GFT Takes Action on COVID-19 Concerns
GFT has written to the heads of the different agencies to gauge the measure of preparedness in response to COVID-19. Likewise, GFT has spoken to some members in various agencies to raise concerns with their management. A big THANK YOU to the nurses, doctors, and other...
GFT OFFICE CLOSING AND CONVENTION CANCELLED AMID COVID-19 CONCERNS
Beginning, Monday, March 16, 2020, The GFT Office will be closed to the public for at least 14 days. This is in response to Governor Leon Guerrero confirming that twelve people on Guam have tested positive for COVID-19 as of March 19. Given the Governor’s order to...
SBG Parent Information and Input Meetings
The Guam Department of Education Division of Curriculum and Instruction is hosting more information and input sessions regarding the GDOE Standards-Based Grading Initiative. Two meetings have already been held and the remaining meetings are as follows: Wednesday,...
Mary Jean Vigilante wins GFT Treasurer
GFT would like to congratulate Mary Jean Vigilante on winning the election for Treasurer. Vigilante currently teaches Math at Oceanview Middle School. She also serves as John Hopkins Talent Development Site Coordinator, Curriculum Coordinator, Instructional coach,...
GFT T-SHIRT CONTEST WINNERS SELECTED
The winners from the GFT t-shirt contest have been selected. 1st place: Lucia Atienza- George Washington High School 2nd place: Ivory Usana- Tiyan High School 3rd place: Leonilyn Matsunanga- Tiyan High School The winning t-shirt design will be unveiled at the GFT 13th...
SBG TEACHERS SURVEY NOW AVAILABLE
The survey for teachers on Standards-Based Grading (SBG) will be available to teachers until Friday, March 6. The intent of the survey is to gauge the level of acceptance amongst teachers to better inform the Guam Education Board and GDOE administrators in planning...
SUPERINTENDENT & EDUCATION BOARD FIGHT FOR MORE FUNDING
Guam Superintendent of Education Jon Fernandez and the Guam Education Board (GEB) are advocating in the legislature for more funding. In a meeting Friday, February 21, Superintendent Fernandez and the GEB presented the Fiscal Year 2021 budget to the Guam Legislature....
GUAM EDUCATION BOARD APPROVES 173 SCHOOL DAY CALENDAR
In a meeting Tuesday, February 18, the Guam Education Board voted to adopt the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 school year calendars. In accordance with Public Law 31-019, the approved school calendars are inclusive of 173 School Days, 2 Teacher Work Days, 2 Parent-Teacher...
Meet the Candidates
For the GFT 2020 At Large Election, there are two candidates vying for Treasurer: Lisa Mosher and Mary Jean Vigilante. Below are their statements of candidacy. Lisa Mosher Hafa Adai! My name is Lisa M. Mosher. I have been employed with GDOE for multiple teaching,...
GFT 2020 Election
The GFT At-Large Election will take place Friday, February 28, 2020. The candidates for the Treasurer position are Lisa Mosher and Mary Jean Vigilante. Candidate information can be found at gftunion.com. In order to vote, you must be a member in good standing on or...
WORKERS’ COMPENSATION BILLS SIGNED INTO LAW
Gone are the old laws regarding Workers’ Compensation. On Wednesday, February 12, 2020, Public Law 35-65 and Public Law 35-66 were signed into effect by Acting Governor Joshua Tenorio. The laws, both written by Senator Regine Biscoe Lee, will strengthen and modernize...
SAVE THE DATE: GFT’S 13TH ANNUAL CONVENTION
GFT's 13th Annual Convention will be held at the Hilton Guam Resort & Spa on Saturday, March 21, 2020 at 6pm. Please email thelma@gftunion.com or contact the GFT Office at 735-4390 to RSVP. The event is free for members!