An interesting video commentary by Tony Bifaro who for many years was a member of the NYSUT Board of Directors. He also was an Assistant to Past President Richard Ianuzzi. 

As the coronavirus, also called COVID-19, continues to spread in the United States, we want to share specific information for older Americans about how to stay safe and healthy.

• What is the Coronavirus?
• How does the Coronavirus spread?
• Can I get the virus from somebody who doesn't know they are sick?
• Why are older adults at greater risk for the effects of the coronavirus?
• How can I protect myself?
• What extra steps can I take if I am in a vulnerable population?
• What to do if you are sick with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
• Where can I find more information about the Coronavirus?

June 11, 2020

The governor released the state's guidelines on reopening schools today. You may read the report at this link.

Dear colleague: The Part-time Faculty Association (PATFA), which represents all adjuncts teaching in the University of Maine System, on Friday offered encouragement and three requests to System Chancellor Dannel Malloy.

PATFA, which is Local 4593 of the American Federation of Teachers, told Malloy in a letter it recognizes the enormous effort needed to transition mid-semester to alternative teaching venues during the health crisis.

“On behalf of the many part-time faculty members we represent, PATFA makes three requests:

Due to the Coronavirus Outbreak
The Meet and Greet on March 20th & General Membership meeting on the 26th have been canceled until further notice.

Hartford, Crec and Magnet Schools will be closed starting Monday March 16th for the next two weeks indefinitely. After the two weeks they will do a reevaluation .
Please check with your school email , website or Building Representative for more information .

Please enjoy our fourth edition of the RCG BOCES Teachers' Association Newsletter!

http://rcgboces.ny.aft.org/sites/default/files/article_pdf_files/2020-03/march-april_2020_newsletter-rcg_boces_ta-final.pdf 

Help us share building level educational successes by submitting your story for the segment "Shared Success" here. 

http://bit.ly/rcgbocesta-sharedsuccess

This is an evolving situation so today's news may be different from tomorrow's news...clearly, telework is the best way for the State to ensure the work gets done while maintaining "social distance", so we continue to push for the State to embrace telework in a much more serious and aggressive manner...but this is where we are now:

If you are ill with COVID 19 (or exhibiting similar symptoms): use sick time as normal.  If you will be out for 5 days, then utilize FMLA.

Greetings Members,

Statement from the UMS chancellor as of Wednesday evening, March 11:

UMS Community Members,

The political season is well underway, and your union is busy providing services that will make it easier for members to participate in our democracy. AFT-Maryland's Political Hub is a one-stop web hub for members that can help you find information to register to vote, identify your representatives in state and local government, keep abreast of legislation in Annapolis that affects your work, identify various candidates running for office, understand the AFL-CIO endorsement process, and much more.