NOVEMBER 2017
How can it already be November? Once again it seems the school year is flying by. It is
report card and parent conference time at elementary sites and the first semester is drawing
to an end for secondary students. Thanks for all you do for students and families. I hope
you enjoy your hard earned break and have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Contract Ratification
The Federation has ratified the tentative agreement that was reached in September. The
agreement was approved by 97% of our members. We had 377 members vote, 366 voting
yes and 11 voting no. The agreement now goes to the School Board for ratification on
November 14. Once the Board ratifies the agreement, the contract will be in effect. You will
receive the 1.5 % retro for the 2017/18 school year in your November 30 paycheck. The
November pay warrant will reflect the increased salary. In addition, the retro will be for the
three (August, September, and October) previous pay warrants we have received this year.
The 2% which is based on where you were on the salary schedule last year (2016/17) plus
the $ 500 bonus will be included in a supplemental check on December 8. Remember retro
checks are taxed at a higher rate (IRS rules, not our District) and STRS will be
deducted as well.
2017 AFT Collective Bargaining Conference
A Look Inside AFT Bargaining Playbook
We had the opportunity to attend a two day AFT Collective Bargaining Training in Chicago
on October 27 and 28. AFT partnered with the Scheinman Institute at Cornell University’s
Industrial Labor Relations (ILR) School to offer training for locals in a time when collective
bargaining is under attack. This was the first step in earning a Collective Bargaining
Certificate from AFT and Cornell’s School of ILR.
This conference was a worthwhile endeavor. We had the opportunity to learn Collective
Bargaining techniques from AFT leaders. We built relationships with other locals and
learned of their negotiation struggles and successes. We were able to have conversations
with AFT president, Randi Weingarten and Secretary Treasurer, Lorretta Johnson. We
listened to motivating presentations and participated in educational breakout groups. The
training gave us both a fresh outlook and left us confident and rejuvenated. We are inspired
as we move forward to organize our next contract campaign.
In Unity,
Suzanne and Sandra
​
THE FEDERATION NEEDS YOU!
Would you like to become more involved in your Union? We need a member to serve on the
District Budget Committee. This Advisory Committee meets once a month to discuss the
District's financial outlook. If budget cuts are necessary, this committee will advise the
Board before they take action.
In addition, we will be establishing a committee to work with the District to discuss and
develop recommendations regarding professional responsibilities. We will need members
from TK-3, 4-6, 7-8, 9-12, Alternate Education, Special Services and SOCC.
If you are interested in serving on either of these committees, email me
at [email protected]

OCTOBER 2017
I wrote and copied the October Message before the fire. It was clear when I returned to the
office that the original message needed to be changed. For more than a week, we waited
and watched as the fire raged on. School was cancelled due to our unhealthy air and
members were evacuated from their homes. Four of our members lost their homes. Even in
this natural disaster, PFT Members volunteered at evacuation centers as well as
participated in fund raising activities. Thank you to all who help the community during this
time. I am proud to have you as a colleague.
Please accept my sympathies if you or a family member suffered a loss during the fire.
Know we are all here to support you and help whenever possible. If you were evacuated
from your home and used a personal necessity day due to the evacuation, call or email me .
I am working with the District to find ways to help our affected members. This is a time we
should be able to find common ground with the District.
The California Federation of Teachers contacted me immediately after the fire with an offer
of support for our members. In addition, the American Federation of Teachers will be
offering their support as well. i was impressed at their immediate concern and action. I am
so proud to be a member of an organization that is as carrying as CFT and AFT.
Below are sections from the original President's Message
After almost two years of work, our Negotiations Team reached an agreement with the
District. The highlights of the agreement are:
 2 % salary increase retroactive to July 1 , 2016
 1.5 % salary increase retroactive to July 1, 2017
 $500 one time bonus
 186 day work year with no change in pay
 Willie Brown ( reduced work load ) will be offered for 18-19
 Agreement to discuss a possible retirement incentive for those retiring next year, meaning
this will be your last year worked
 Members will have the equivalent of two workdays to prepare for the year/semester
 The Federation will have all labor rights allowed by law
 Committees will be established to look at Health Benefits, Professional Responsibilities, and
Stipends
This Tentative Agreement must be ratified by our membership. The election is happening as
you read this. Tuesday , October 24 is the last day to vote. Please see your site rep and
vote. Election results will be communicated via email.
Finally, a huge thank you to our Negotiations Team. It was an honor to work with them. Our
members and the students they serve were always their guiding principle. Suzanne Garcia
did an amazing job as our Chief Negotiator. Todd Siders, Matt Beaton, Elyse Vosberg, Matt
Caamano, Erinn VanderMeer, and Andrew Aja served on the team.
In Unity,
PFT PROUD
A union is defined as an organized association of workers formed to protect and further their
rights and interests. In our case, beginning at the national level educator unions were
formed to protect not only educators but more importantly students. On a national level, we
are affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers. They work to influence federal laws,
policies and regulations. At the state level we are affiliated with the California Federation
Teachers. They not only offer a great deal of support to our local, they work at the state
level to elect pro education candidates, get laws passed and overall improve the education
of California's students.
We do the same work in Petaluma but on a local level. We have a strong and dedicated
negotiations team that worked for almost two years to get our members the best possible
contract. We have officers and site reps that will come to the aid of their coworkers. We
have a grievance team that will hold the District accountable every time they choose to
violate our contract. We have an active political group (COPE) that will be working on state
and local elections. But most importantly, we have incredible members. We have 439
members this year. We have over a 99% participation rate !
We are strong! We came together last year in an amazing way. We attended school board
meetings, general membership meetings and socials. We leafleted parents and the
community. We had over a 90% participation in a Work to Rule Week and a one day Unfair
Labor Practice Strike. We are making a positive change for the educators and students of
Petaluma City Schools. We can and will affect change. We all need to continue to be active.
Most of all, we must stand with our fellow educators to demand the best from the State,
District, and Federal Government.