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National vs Local Pay

We have some incredible news to share, and we want you to hear it directly from us.

GFT, AFT Local 1581, is actively working with members of the 38th Guam Legislature to advance legislation that will make a real, lasting difference for educators and Government of Guam employees alike. We are proud to announce that we are in active discussions with some senators on three landmark bills:

The Senior Teacher and Retiree Experience Utilization Act of 2026 (working title): creating a fair, structured pathway for our experienced and retired educators to return to service in classrooms that need them most, with compensation that actually reflects their years of dedication.

The Yamashita Educator Corps Scholarship Full Funding and Expansion Act of 2026 (working title): securing full, guaranteed funding for the scholarship pipeline that grows our own teachers right here on Guam, investing in the next generation of educators who are committed to our island and our students.

The Teacher Salary Parity, Indexing, and Stabilization Act of 2026 (working title): establishing a concrete, two-year roadmap to bring Guam teacher pay to parity with the national average and keeping it there permanently through automatic indexing and meaningful collective bargaining rights. The average national annual wages outpaces the average local annual wages for ED-2 through ED-4 by $10,500. More information is available at gftunion.com.

These are real bills with real language, real data, and real momentum. This is what advocacy looks like when we show up together. We will let you know in the coming days of senators who stand with you.

To Our Non-Teaching Members: This Is Your Fight Too.

We want to be clear about something important: GFT represents nearly all Government of Guam employees, not just teachers. Every win we achieve for compensation, collective bargaining, and workforce stability sends a signal across the entire government that employees matter and that their unions are watching, working, and winning.

When teachers earn more, when retirees are treated with dignity, and when scholarships produce a stronger workforce, the entire Government of Guam benefits. A stronger GFT means a stronger voice for every employee we represent, whether you work in a classroom, an office, a clinic, or anywhere else in public service.

We see you. We are fighting for you too. And the best way to make sure your voice is heard is to be in the room where it happens.

We Want You on the GFT Executive Council.

Here is an exciting opportunity: GFT is actively welcoming non-teaching Government of Guam employees to join our Executive Council. This is your chance to step up, sit at the table, and directly advocate for the needs of your unit and your coworkers.

As a member of the Executive Council, you will:

• Participate in shaping GFT's legislative priorities and advocacy strategies.
• Represent the voices of employees across different Government of Guam departments.
• Work alongside leaders who are already in active dialogue with senators and policymakers.
• Help ensure that the momentum we are building for teachers extends to every bargaining unit GFT serves.

You do not need a title or years of union experience to join. You need passion, a commitment to your coworkers, and the belief that Guam's public servants deserve better. We will support you every step of the way.

How to Get Involved.

If you are interested in joining the GFT Executive Council or simply want to learn more about how these bills affect you and your colleagues, please reach out to us directly. Meetings are open, welcoming, and focused on action.

Let's keep this energy going. Let's show the Legislature, the Governor's office, and the entire Government of Guam that when GFT moves, we all move together.

Thank you for your continued support. The best is yet to come for all of us.

In solidarity,

Sanjay Sharma, PhD

Vice-President, GFT | AFT Local 1581