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.

PPE DONATION FOR HEALTHCARE WORKERS

GFT would like to thank the Chinese American Fraternal Organization, C100 and the American Federation of Teachers for donating PPE to healthcare workers on Guam. C100 donated 400 n95 masks for healthcare professionals and were distributed by GFT to members of the Department of Health and Human Services. AFT donated 400 face shields and 4000 disposable masks. The PPE will be distributed to various agencies on Guam.

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