AFT-CFT AFL-CIO Local 1936
		May 21 , 2004 Volume 8, Issue 14

PVFT Lunch Bunch

PVFT honored the seven schools with the most union members. Over 90% of Ann Soldo, Freedom, Mintie White, Starlight and Rolling Hills staffs belong to the union. Pacific Coast Charter and Pajaro Middle Schools boast 100% membership! Each of these schools enjoyed an Eric's Deli buffet provided by the Pajaro Valley Federation of Teachers.

Will your school celebrate this honor next year?

Rio del Mar Bragging Rights

Way to go, Rio del Mar, for winning accolades as a California Distinguished School!

RDM met excellence criteria including high academic expectations for all students, implementation of state-adopted standards as well as visionary and collaborative leadership.

The State Superintendent and the President of the State Board of Education will honor Rio del Mar with a plaque and special flag at a Disneyland Hotel awards ceremony on May 21.

Santa Cruz County named Tom Lahue, a Rio del Mar sixth grade teacher, as the Science teacher of the year. Tom is also a veterinarian. He was nominated by his peers who honored him with this award.

News for you

Golden Opportunity
Join the National March for Health Care across the Golden Gate Bridge on Saturday, June 19, 2004. Walk to achieve common-sense solutions to increase access to reliable, affordable health care coverage for all .

Arrive at Crissy Field at 7 a.m. to march across the bridge. Stay for the Crissy Field Fest until 1:00 p.m. Enjoy guest speakers, national and local performing artists, a Juneteenth Celebration, attractions for the kids and concessions.

And remember to vote yes in November for the Health Insurance Act (SB2)! Defend working families and the economy against skyrocketing health care costs by requiring large employers to provide coverage.

No PVFT end-of-year party
Due to unexpected circumstances, the PVFT end-of-year celebration is cancelled. We are planning a kick-off barbeque at the beginning of the next school year.

Who's got my money?
The district will deposit or mail out your June payroll checks on June 29, 2004. If you have moved, notify Human Resources and the Payroll offices immediately .

Your CalSTRS online
You can now review or update your myCalSTRS account online at www.calstrs. com . You will find links to calculators, counseling, workshops, forms & publications, interest rates and retirement planning.

Union Leadership School
PVFT leaders Carmen Gagne and Peggy Pughe are going to CULS at Asilomar in June.

AFT D.C. Convention
Sarah Ringler, Stef Seffinger, Mamiche Young, Mike and Kris Vasser, Linda Espejo, Joe Urban, Pat Christie and Carolyn Savino will attend this year's AFT convention in D.C.

Workers lose but still can choose
The Legislature overwhelmingly passed compromise legislation to reform our broken workers' compensation system. The bill was a compromise that included both benefits and take-aways for injured workers. But its passage keeps a draconian, multi-million dollar anti-worker initiative off the November ballot.

Insurance companies and their brokers escaped any form of regulation. They also exacted specific benefits in this legislation. Last year, Labor worked to contain medical costs. Those reforms produced great savings that were not passed on to the employers by insurance companies.

The good news: Organized Labor worked hard to maintain the workers' right to choose their own doctors. Union members will still be able to name their personal doctor should they suffer an injury on the job. You must pre-designate your physician. Complete and return the form to the D.O.