Special Union Membership Meeting called by SVFT President-A Special Membership meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 29 at 6:00 p.m. at Wilcox Tech in Meriden to review the SEBAC tentative agreement as well as the SVFT contract language changes negotiated with state in an effort to avoid lay-offs and respond fairly to the current economic crisis and looming state budget deficit. All members are encouraged to read the details of the agreements on line and the summaries that have been disseminated in each school. All members are encouraged to attend the meeting and ask questions about the details of the agreement. The SVFT attorney Barry Scheinberg will be at the meeting. The SVFT officers who, with Barry, participated in the lengthy negotiations, will also be present to answer any questions.
RATIFICATION VOTE-The SEBAC tentative agreement must be ratified by all SEBAC members. A ratification vote for SVFT members is scheduled for Wednesday, May 6in each school. SVFT building representatives will conduct the vote before the student day begins and after the student day ends. Ballots will be delivered to the SVFT office in Rocky Hill and counted by the elections and nominations committee members. The results will be announced immediately and posted on the SVFT web site. SVFT leadership recommends ratification of the agreement. Failure to do so will result in severe cuts and job loss. We do not want any of our members to be laid-off. Job security is a priority.
Retirement Incentive-The coalition agreement included a retirement incentive for all employees who will be 55 years of age by June 30, 2009. The incentive includes three years of service and a delay in the pay out of accumulated sick/vacation time to 2012, 2013, and 2014
The Middle College System- Appears to have died a slow death in committee. A study bill has been proposed requiring the Labor Dept., SDE, Office of Workforce Competitiveness and the Board of Trustees for the Regional Technical Community Colleges to explore the middle college system and related pilot programs. They are required to report to the Education Committee of the Legislature January 1, 2010.
Seniority List Members have been calling the SVFT office to inquire about seniority. Click here for the link on our web site. You may copy the page(s) for your teaching area if necessary. THERE IS NO SENIORITY LIST FOR PART-TIME TEACHERS. Part-time teachers with questions about their seniority should review Article 11 of the Supplemental Agreement of the contract (page 97). All are encouraged to consult with your building rep. for clarification.
Retirement Information- IF YOU ARE PLANNING TO RETIRE THIS YEAR YOU SHOULD GET YOUR PAPERWORK COMPLETED. THE RETIREMENT DATE FOR THE BUY-OUT IS JUNE 30. ANY DELAY MAY JEAPORDIZE YOUR PAY OUT AND RECEIPT OF YOUR FIRST PENSION CHECK. Notifying Central Office and your building principal is the first step. This allows C.O. to post the vacancy and allows members who are qualified to request transfers and/or promotions within the entitlement window (March 15 June 3, 2009.
Scholarship Applications - The 2009 SVFT Scholarship application is posted on our web site. CLICK HEREThe SVFT will be awarding nine - $1,000.00 student scholarships and one -$1,000.00 member grant, or two - $500.00 member grants. Don't hesitate, apply today. THE DEADLINE FOR APPLYING IS MAY 15, 2009.
Teacher of the Year - All schools have chosen their 2010 Teacher of the Year. Congratulations to all. The 2010 teachers of the year will be honored by the union at a dinner on 5/7 at the Rocky Hill Marriott.Click here to see TOY recipients.