Even though myriad contributors often play a role in getting a college or university to divest from fossil fuels, “one group is seldom credited as the catalyst: student activists,” writes Emma Whitford for Insider Higher Ed.
“Many institutions give a nod to activists without elaborating on their efforts. … But in other cases, students get no thanks at all,” adds Whitford.…
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In advance of Earth Day, the AFT will present the virtual town hall “Climate Justice, Jobs & Freedom to Thrive” on April 13 at 6:45 p.m. ET.
Among the scheduled speakers are actress and Fire Drill Fridays founder Jane Fonda and AFT President Randi Weingarten.
For more information and to register, click here.…
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AFT President Randi Weingarten will be joined by Massachusetts Sen. Ed Markey, political commentator Heather McGhee and Sunrise Movement’s Alex Morrison for the virtual town hall “Confronting the Climate Crisis in the 2020 Election and Beyond,” livestreaming Oct. 8 on Facebook at 6:45 p.m. ET.
To submit a question, click here.…
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AFT Convention delegates on July 29 passed a resolution in support of the Green New Deal, which calls for action against climate change.
Local 6323’s David Hughes, an AFTNJ higher education vice president, was involved with drafting the resolution.
“Our government has got to respect science and protect us,” said Hughes, an anthropology professor at Rutgers University in New Brunswick.…
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Thursday, February 7, 2019
Teacher Diversity
Senate Higher Education Committee, Senate Education Committee
Donna M. Chiera, President
“Public schools should serve all students equally, regardless of race, creed or cultural differences. Research shows that children in historically underserved communities benefit academically if they have teachers who look like them. We need to make sure they get the teachers they need.…
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AFTNJ President Donna M. Chiera said, “I am proud of our members’ participation, and of all New Jerseyans, for seeking balance in national governance by re-electing Sen. Menendez and new representation from Mikie Sherrill, Tom Malinowski and Jeff Van Drew. Our members approached this election as an opportunity to place affirmative votes for community values and respect for humanity, which we believe are sentiments shared by the majority of Americans.”…
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AFT members were out in force Saturday to meet with labor candidate Mikie Sherrill and talk to voters in the 11th Congressional District. AFT President Randi Weingarten called on members to participate in the Central Labor Councils (which are charged with county-based labor political organizing) like the newly-formed Morris County Central Labor Council, which is responsible for Morris, Sussex, Warren and Hunterdon Counties.…
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The American Federation of Teachers New Jersey has released its endorsement of Senator Bob Menendez for U.S. Senate.
“I am incredibly proud to have the support of the tens of thousands of dedicated educators and AFT members across New Jersey,” said Sen. Menendez. “Education is the key to unlocking a child’s full potential, and when we invest in our teachers, we invest in the next generation of leaders and innovators.…
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An Network for Public Education Action Investigative Report
This report provides some insight into how the very wealthy insert themselves into local elections through direct contributions, Independent Expenditure Committees and even non-profit organizations. We focus on nine elections to provide insight into how in races large and small, some very wealthy Americans are trying to control the education of our nation’s children while undermining the anchor of our local communities—the neighborhood public school.…
Colleen O’Dea, NJ Spotlight
Union leaders, Democratic lawmakers remain uncowed by decision to strip public-sector unions of right to collect ‘fair-share’ fees from nonmembers who benefit from negotiated contracts
The U.S. Supreme Court delivered a harsh, but not unexpected blow to public-sector unions yeterday, when it ruled that nonunion members cannot be forced to pay fees to them.…
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*indicates incumbent +indicates labor candidate
United States Senate
Robert Menendez (D)*
United States House of Representatives
District 1
Donald Norcross (D)*+
District 2
Jeff Van Drew (D)
District 3
Andy Kim (D)
District 4
Josh Welle
District 5
Joshua Gottheimer (D)*
District 6
Frank Pallone (D)*
District 7
Tom Malinowski (D)
District 8
Albio Sires (D)*
District 9
Bill Pascrell (D)*
District 10
Donald Payne, Jr.…
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Despite opposition from AFTNJ and public sector unions in committee, a bill to end any payment for unused sick time advanced and will be heard by the full Assembly.
Sign here to tell your Assembly representatives to oppose this measure and stand with public sector workers.
By Phil Gregory, WBGO
[…]
Public employee unions oppose the legislation, saying it would violate collective bargaining agreements.
Donna Chiera, the president of the American Federation of Teachers in New Jersey, says the sick day payout at the end of their career amounts to a savings account for public workers who don’t have big salaries.
“Because when you retire on a pension and social security, it’s money that you need to lean on.”…
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Legislation that would further limit collectively bargained retirement benefits advanced Wednesday in Trenton, despite testimony from Donna M. Chiera on behalf of AFTNJ and representatives from CWANJ, AFSCME, NJEA, FOP and PBA.
The Assembly bill, A-1851 , is sponsored by Education chair Pam Lampitt and Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin. The Senate companion, S-2578, is sponsored by Senate President Steve Sweeney and Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg.…
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