Every year, at the NYSUT Regional Office Leadership Conference, educators from all around Central New York gather to talk about union issues, share ideas, and develop ways to improve their schools and their profession.  And, while they're at it, they support a vital community effort--Strides Against Breast Cancer.

This year was no exception.  

From October 13th to 15th, more than 150 unionists gathered in Alexandria Bay for this important conference and at the same time worked to raise money for the American Cancer Society's fight against breast cancer.  Through donations from individuals and union locals, this Strides event raised $17,920!

And the APA was part of that effort.  This year's event theme was "50's Sock Hop," so we got into the mood by creating a basket full of amusements from that famous decade;  candies, toys, games, vintage comics and 45's, and nostalgic videos all added to the fun.  Member donations made it possible for our local to create a basket for the raffle, and APA Vice-president Ellis Gage Searles, who co-chaired the event, delivered it on our behalf.  There was a very impressive array of creative baskets, but we do believe ours held its own!

The Baltimore Teachers Union held their 35th annual QuEST Conference and Health Fair. There were a number of breakout sessions, panels and conversations that all worked to give BTU members tools and resources to help them better serve their young people.

Two locals in the federation came together to let their voices be heard. City Union of Baltimore retirees joined with leadership and Baltimore Teachers Union retirees to testify at a city council hearing about changes to the prescription drug benefits plan for Baltimore city retirees. CUB President Antoinette Ryan-Johnson kicked off the panel.

Two locals in the federation came together to let their voices be heard. City Union of Baltimore retirees joined with leadership and Baltimore Teachers Union retirees to testify at a city council hearing about changes to the prescription drug benefits plan for Baltimore city retirees. CUB President Antoinette Ryan-Johnson kicked off the panel.

The Maryland Classified Employees Association held their 82nd Annual Convention in Ocean City, MD during the second week of October. The convention featured notable state labor and political leaders as well as the important work of charting the course forward for MCEA. Elections were held at the convention and President Linda Day was once again re-elected.

The People Project is a growing coalition of educators, parents, community members, employers and government leaders in St. Lawrence County committed to:

 Vibrant grassroots community engagement

 High quality public education for all, and

 Creating a sustainable local economy that supports everyone

READ MORE ABOUT THE PROJECT  

(Baton Rouge – October 25, 2017) After years of litigation, approximately 350 Filipino teachers who were held in virtual bondage in Louisiana by a placement agency are slated to receive money from a class action lawsuit against the recruiter and her company. Each teacher will receive approximately $2,200.00.

“This is the bittersweet ending to a sad story of exploitation,” said Louisiana Federation of Teachers President Larry Carter. “While these teachers can never be properly compensated for their suffering, we have at least validated the rule of law and sent a strong message to those who would profit from such human trafficking.”

In less than a month, we will have the opportunity to put New Jersey back on the right track. On November 7th, we can either elect a governor who will continue the failed policies of the Christie administration or elect a real champion for working people. Our union has endorsed Phil Murphy for Governor and Sheila Oliver for Lieutenant Governor because we know they will fight for us.