The recent budget reductions of $105m imposed by the Governor have led to the inevitable concerns by many of our members regarding state employee concessions.  To be certain, there have been no concession discussions between the Unions and the State despite the chatter that is rippling.  It is clear that A&R has no desire to allow further erosion of our Pension or Healthcare benefits.  The current chatter relates to furloughs days (CTMirror Article 10/2/2015) and (Governor Malloy WFSB 10/5/2015) but absolutely nothing has been raised to the Unions.  Despite the larger budget discussions, these issues will not deter A&R from seeking to engage the State in our own contract bargaining.  The current State budget incorporates raises of 2.5% for employees for July 2016 - June 2017.  Further, several "language" issues within our contract need to be addressed, and that can only be done via direct negotiations with the state.  Budget problems are universal, cyclical, and common and shall not derail our goal of negotiating our contract with the State.

The Advocate

September 2015

Thanks for reading the one page inaugural edition of The Advocate.  This is our “in-house” newsletter for WFEA members.  It will come to you on e-mail, but you’ll soon be able to access the content on our West Fargo Education Association Facebook page, our Twitter account, and our website.  So, keep up in whatever way is easiest for you. 

Instructional Conference 2015 – Two Cities in Two Days

Dear WFEA Members,

West Fargo is growing at an unprecedented rate. Our student enrollment is growing by leaps and bounds every year (500-600 students each year for the next decade), and we are facing some very severe restrictions on how we can house and educate the increasing number of students coming through our doors.

As you may already know, a referendum will go up for a public vote this Nov. 17, to approve a bond package that will address several identified needs within our schools, including:

At the elementary level:

The judge overseeing the Rowland Layoff case has approved the settlement.

More information to be posted.

Whole Foods: for a Healthier and More Energetic You is the topic of A&R's next Professional Development workshop.  In this workshop you will learn how a whole food diet can heal, transform, and energize your life.  You will not only gain knowledge about healthy eating but will also learn how to reduce stress in your life.  Enjoy the day among your Union brothers and sisters and learn how to treat yourself better.

When: November 2, 4, and 6 (Attend  1 day only)

Join your Union brothers and sisters for good food, good spirit, and good company at A&R's 34^th Annual Holiday Party.

1. When: Friday, December 4^th, 1:00 p.m.
2. Where: Aqua Turf Club - Southington, CT
3. Ticket Deadlines:
   • By mail - November 18^th
   • Walk-Ins at A&R Office - November 24^th 12:30 p.m.
   • SORRY NO CASH ACCEPTED via mail or walk-in

Info/Registration

We will again be collecting toys at the Annual Holiday Party.  The United Labor Agency will distribute the toys to union members who are unemployed or on strike.  See details on the registration form.

Todd Moulder, Baker Middle School eighth-grade English teacher and CCAFT member, received an award. Click here to read the Caller Times article.

Keep alert, adjuncts! As the fall semester moves along, your leadership in PATFA (Part-time Faculty Association of Maine) urges you to make sure you are receiving accurate and timely information about your work within the University of Maine System.

1) While PATFA and the System are still negotiating over a new contract, the current document still applies – and it’s good to know what it allows and does not allow. You can always find a copy at

CTDOL Update and Reminder    - 9/26/15

A&R will be holding the next Lunch and Learn session at 165 Capital Avenue, in Hartford.  Lunch and Learn sessions are an opportunity for members to discuss workplace issues directly with Union leadership. Contract negotiations have just gotten underway. If you'd like to hear firsthand how negotiations are proceeding, please attend. We will be available to answer your questions.

Where: 165 Capitol Avenue, Hartford - room G38 A&B

When: Thursday December 3rd, 11:45 - 1:00pm

Sandwiches and beverages will be provided.