I am heartbroken to see the damage across Southeastern Louisiana done by Hurricane Ida. While we are no strangers to hurricanes, this exceptional storm has made a significant impact throughout the state, particularly in our low-lying areas in the Southeast. Many homes were damaged or destroyed and hundreds of thousands of people remain without power. Rebuilding our homes and communities may take months.

This week, with the assistance of our national affiliate, the American Federation of Teachers, we have reached out via text to our members in areas impacted by the storm. We have successfully connected with thousands of our members and I am happy to report that the majority of the LFT family is safe, for now, but we have a long road to recovery before us.

(via the Office of the Labor Commissioner, Bulletin Number: 21-22, September 1, 2021)

Liberal Leave in Effect Today, September 1, 2021, for Non-Essential Employees (click through for link to the bulletin)

Today, Wednesday, September 1, 2021, liberal leave is in effect for non-essential employees at 2:00PM.  LIBERAL LEAVE IS OPTIONAL FOR EMPLOYEES TO TELEWORK. Employees must get permission from their immediate supervisor or designee prior to using liberal leave today.   The normal advanced notice requirement is waived.  Non-essential employees will be required to use accumulated vacation, personal leave, or compensatory time, or authorized leave without pay. 

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PHILADELPHIA—This evening, Jerry Jordan announced the settlement of a tentative agreement to PFT members. In his message to members, he wrote in part, "It's a deal I'm proud of and one I'm looking forward to bringing you tomorrow."

We are aware that Mayor Scott’s administration is moving forward with the implementation of a vaccination mandate for all city workers, including City Union of Baltimore members. The administration came to us on Monday, August 30, 2021 and informed us that this policy would be implemented effective October 18th.

Welcome back you awesome and essential part-time faculty!

    Click here to read the September Outlook                 

COVID Spikes Across the State

On August 25th, Louisiana reported the single deadliest day of the entire pandemic, with 139 deaths from COVID-19 and 3,814 new cases. Unlike previous waves of the virus, the delta variant is further impacting children. On Wednesday, August 25th, COVID claimed its youngest victim, a child under the age of one. In total, 11 children have died from COVID in Louisiana, many more have been hospitalized, and over 6,000 K-12 students have tested positive.

Click here for this week's update

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1) Welcome Back!

2) Sept 3 FAQ's

3) Pay Schedule

4) Union Plus Benefits

5) Employee Assistance Program

AND MORE!

CONCORD, NH—Statement by Deb Howes, president of AFT-New Hampshire, on the importance of COVID-19 mitigation protocols such as masks and vaccinations as students and educators return to in-school learning:

August 26, 2021

PHILADELPHIA—"The situation unfolding at Masterman is emblematic of the years of systemic refusal to provide the PFT, our members, and our communities with accurate, timely, and detailed information pertaining to the health and safety of our school buildings. It is exactly why the PFT not only has been the founder and driving force behind the Fund Our Facilities Coalition, but also have spent years not only defining the facilities crisis but also identifying real solutions. In our May report, we again outlined the severity of this crisis district-wide and pointing to specific actions the District must take to bring about urgently needed change.