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Annual Leave

This is a reminder to use your annual leave if you have more than 420 hours. Schedule your time off ASAP. GFT can help with your grievance process when management denies your request. We are aware that many members have leave in excess because of unfair staffing. There are many that have over 1000 hours. Unless there is a legislative remedy, we are now in a "use it or lose it" situation.

Advocating 10% for Support Staff

On the recent public hearing for Bill 226-38 introduced by Senator Vince Borja, GFT spoke against the Bill because of its complicated and selective implementation practice. We do agree that 1:1 school aides and others hold specialized training to better serve our students and this is necessary. The item of contention is the selective implementation. The duties of school aides vary day to day based on the demands at work. Because of their position of being the very backbone that holds the school together when they fill in the gaps, they all deserve a 10% in their pay.

Senator Borja and other members sitting on the Committee of Education, Libraries, and Public Broadcasting such as Senator Barnett have coordinated dialogue with GFT for the 10% increase as long as school aides receive their certification. We commend Senator Borja for taking this bold initiative to compensate our school aides. For perspective, the average annual salary of our school aides is roughly $31,000 with many earning roughly $26,000 a year.

GFT Annual Convention

Update 2: If you have not RSVP'd you still can attend by still reserving a spot with us; however, your personalized gifts will be available after the convention. Again, GFT Convention is this Saturday. For that already RSVP'd, you do not have reconfirm your RSVP. You must be present to win the raffle prizes. Good luck and see you there!

Update: Attendees will receive a personalized bag tag, a t-shirt, a car windshield sun shade, and other giveaways. Now would be a good time to update your contact information. If you RSVP after March 13, you may not be eligible to receive a personalized bag tag. This event is free for GFT members. Additional guests will be $25/person, but they will not be entered into the raffle or receive any giveaways.

So, will you be attending?

Mark your calendars for Saturday, March 21, 2026, to attend our GFT Annual Convention starting at 6 PM at the GFT Event Hall, Mangilao. This event is free for GFT members, and we encourage you to join us for an important day of updates, connection, and solidarity. Most especially, we have raffle prizes! Thelma has outdone herself once again with them. I hear there is a Playstation 5 up for grabs!

We’re also pleased to welcome AFT Western Region Director Jack Yoon.

RSVP Required

Please RSVP by 5:00 PM, Friday, March 13 by emailing [email protected] or by responding to this email.

We hope to see you there!