GFT ELECTION NOTICE

Are you interested in taking a more active role with GFT? GFT Union Chair Elections are just around the corner! Each Exclusively Recognized Unit has the opportunity to elect a Unit Chair, Unit Vice-Chair, and Recorder to be on GFT’s Executive Council. The Election is February 26, 2021. 

Unit Chair Duties*

• Be the official spokesperson for the unit 
• Attend GFT Executive Council meetings (held every other Monday) & GFT General Membership meetings
• Add unit specific items to meeting agenda when necessary
• Inform & update Executive Council of unit matters
• Hear an process grievances in consultation with the Executive Board

Unit Vice-Chair Duties

• Preside at union meetings in the absence of the Chair
• Preside as Chair pro tem at Executive Council and General Membership meetings if necessary
• Assist in hearing & processing grievances

Unit Recorder Duties*

• Preside at union meetings in the absence of both the Chair & Vice-Chair
• Serve as Chair pro tem at Executive Council & General Membership meetings if needed
• Record meeting minutes
• Assist in hearing & processing grievances

Information on how to file for candidacy will be provided by GFT in the coming weeks.

*A full list of position duties can be found in the GFT bylaws. 

SHELL INTRODUCES NEW POINTS PROGRAM

Shell’s Double Points Loyalty Program has been replaced with  the Lucky 7 program. To continue receiving points, you must enroll for a Lucky 7 account with Shell. More information can be found here: https://lucky7.ite.net/enroll/. If you have further questions, please contact Shell. 

NURSING UPDATE

As a result of GFT and GDOE meetings regarding nursing concerns, Lieutenant Governor Tenorio and the Department of Health and Human Services Leadership discussed the follow changes regarding GDOE School Health Counselors who are nine month employees:

• Lt. Governor Tenorio mentioned that their legal team is in communication with GDOE’s legal team to address the current GFT contract that is in effect

• Both superintendent and LT Gov honor the existing GFT contract

• Lt. Governor stated that if DPHSS would need SHC support during Thanksgiving or Christmas break, it should be on voluntary basis for the SHC to continue support DPHSS during their off time (the same like during the summer where DPHSS paid the employees)

GDOE Superintendent Jon Fernandez also stated that he would like all employees (nurses and social workers) to return to their respective schools prior to the start of face to face instruction. More information regarding that will be forthcoming from GDOE.

GFT is very pleased that the GFT-GDOE Teachers Contract, which includes School Health Counselors, will be honored accordingly. While there are still outstanding issues, it is a step in the right direction. GFT will continue to monitor nursing conditions within the Government of Guam until they are resolved.

GMHA Nurse contract negotiations will resume in the coming weeks. Stand united nurses! You are in high demand and our island is indebted to you for your services, not just because of the pandemic. GFT is very proud of all of our nurses and grateful for all you’ve done.

All nurses are encouraged to continue to communicate concerns with GFT as they arise. 

BOOKWAVES LAUNCHES ON GUAM

GFT is pleased to announce that in conjunction with AFT, First Book, and the BookWaves Coalition, more than 40,000 free books will be distributed to students and children in Guam. The official announcement was made during a press conference Thursday morning. You can read the full release to find out more information here.

PIZZA HUT BOOK-IT PACKETS STILL AVAILABLE

The Pizza Hut BOOK-IT! program motivates children to ready by rewarding their reading accomplishments with praise, recognition and pizza! The packets are now available for elementary teachers aft the GFT office in Mangilao. Packets will be distributed on a first come, first serve basis. For more information, contact the GFT office at 735-4390.

MEMBERSHIP PERKS

GFT has a new membership benefits to offer! Hekiti Candle, a local candel shop is offering a 10% discount to GFT members. For information on how to place an order, please contact membership@gftunion.com.

SICK LEAVE SHARING

The following member(s) of DOA are in need of sick leave sharing as they are undergoing medical treatment or caring for a loved one in need of medical attention. If you would like to help, then please contact the GFT Office at 735-4390. Any help is greatly appreciated!

• Julene Hunt

COVID ALERT APP

On behalf of GFT, we are proud to support the Guam Department of Public Health's new app to help stop COVID-19 in Guam. Add your phone to the COVID fight and protect your community while protecting your privacy. Download Guam Covid Alert for free in the App Store and on Google Play. To better understand how the app works, click here, or visit guamcovidalert.guam.gov.

CHECK OUT YOUR LOCAL AND NATIONAL MEMBER BENEFITS

Take Advantage of your member discounts in retail, auto care, health, dining and more on the GFT website. You can also see a list of your national discounts with AFT Union Plus, Hilton Hotels, Google Certified Educator, Identity Theft, Free College opportunity and more! Visit www.aft.org to see more and visit www.gftunion.com for your local discounts.! For more information, contact the GFT Office at 735-4390.

FOR MORE NEWS AND INFORMATION CONTACT THE GFT OFFICE AT 735-4390 OR VISIT WWW.GFTUNION.COM

Enjoy, GFTUnion