Banner

News

UW-Green Bay United members to hold state legislative candidate GOTV event

UWGB-United (AFT #6511) members and supports will convene on October 20 at 6:30pm to text/call friends and family members in the Green Bay Area to make sure they vote for AFT-Wisconsin endorsed candidates Jonathon Hansen, Kristin Lyerly, and Kristina Shelton. All three candidates have also been invited to drop by to say hello to UWGB faculty and staff, too! You do not need to be a member of the union to join in the fun.

MORE

Stout United (AFT #6503) to host panel with State Sen. Patty Schachtner

[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_original","fid":"70724","attributes":{"alt":"Rural Politics and the Wisconsin Idea promo poster","class":"media-image","style":"width: 500px; height: 419px;"}}]]

Register at: https://aft.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMsf-muqDwqH9faCORcZvk-lkbC-jtd3w4W


MORE

The UW We Deserve! Organizing Kickoff


Organized by AFT-Wisconsin Higher Education Council locals across Wisconsin, this kickoff will connect you to your fellow workers at campuses across the state.
 
Register today to get information on how to attend: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJUodu-prDkvG9SpvqPt4o-9pq-36IxZErHV
 
A decade after Act 10’s abuses against workers’ rights, UW faculty, staff, graduate workers, and students are facing multiple unprecedented crises. Devastated budgets -- already slashed by the legislature -- threaten us with layoffs, furloughs, shuttered programs, and closed comprehensives. COVID-19 threatens the
MORE

AFT-Wisconsin Higher Education Council Issues Statement on the Anti-Democratic UW System President Search

hec_logo_stand_alone-green_default.png
The AFT-WIsconsin Higher Education Council has unanimously adopted a statement on the UW System President search. It reads, in part:
 
Our unions stand for inclusion, equal access, and democracy. We call on the UW Board of Regents to reject Jim Johnsen as a candidate for UW System President and to declare a failed search. We also call on the UW Board of Regents to restart the search process using a diverse group of faculty, staff, and students in all parts of the formal searching, screening, and nominating processes, with particular attention to ensure that candidates are committed to upholding
MORE

AFT-Wisconsin and WEAC Issue Joint "Safe Return to Work" Platform for WTCS

safe_return_to_campus_snip.png
AFT-Wisconsin has sent a "Safe Return to Campus" platform to the WTCS Board, identifying best practices for campuses planning to reopen. Created over the course of a month by AFT-Wisconsin and Wisconsin Education Association Council member leaders, this joint document focuses on how we can deliver effective and equitable educational services, keep students and staff healthy, and create safe environments for all staff and students.
 
AFT-Wisconsin and WEAC are pressing administrators throughout the WTCS to use the Safe Return to Campus platform to discuss and plan for safety with faculty and
MORE

AFTW Hosts Town Hall on the Future of the UW System with Governor Tony Evers

future_of_uw_banner_news.png
AFT-Wisconsin hosted a candid conversation about the state of the UW System and how faculty, staff, and students are dealing with these uncertain times. Featuring Governor Tony Evers, U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan (WI-02), state Rep. Katrina Shankland (D-Stevens Point), and Regent Karen Walsh, the meeting shared strategies for how we ensure a future UW that prioritizes the needs of students, security for faculty and staff, and the Wisconsin Idea.
 
Interested in learning more? Please reach out to AFTW VP of Higher Education Jon Shelton at jonshelton24@gmail.com.
MORE

In defense of public education

Randi Weingarten and NYC teacher Tamara Simpson

Attacks on public education in America by extremists and culture-war peddling politicians have reached new heights (“lows” may be more apt), but they are not new. The difference today is that the attacks are intended not just to undermine public education but to destroy it.

MORE

AFT-Wisconsin Endorses the Campaign to “Vote No" on the Ballot Initiative to Remove the Office of the State Treasurer

Madison, WI – The AFT-Wisconsin Executive Board has endorsed the campaign to “Vote No” on the removal of the Office of the Wisconsin State Treasurer.

“I would encourage you to Vote NO on eliminating the position of State Treasurer,” said Dawn Totzke, a School Library Media Specialist in Chippewa Falls and member of AFT Local 1907.  “Save the funding that supports your school libraries. And keep our financial watchdog over our state finances!”

Why does this matter to public education? Should this amendment pass in April, Wisconsin’s Common School Fund and University Fund will be at risk by giving

MORE

Walker Administration Prioritizes Armed Guards Over Mental Health Services in School Safety Plan

Shortly following a DPI proposal on school safety and a Democrat-introduced school safety bill, Governor Walker has announced a special session to consider $100 million dollars for school safety proposals.  However, unlike proposals from the DPI that call for long-term solutions aimed at school safety improvements and mental health support for students, Governor Walker’s plan militarizes the school environment.

“Armed guards and airport like security do not create comfortable learning environments,” said Kim Kohlhaas, AFT-Wisconsin President and former educator from Superior, Wisconsin.  “After

MORE

UW-Superior Administration Knowingly Ignored Shared Governance Procedures in Program Suspensions and Warnings

Superior, WI – The University of Wisconsin Superior AFT Local #6514 has released emails, gained through an open records request, that give a detailed picture of UWS administration’s actions before and after the surprise suspensions of 24 programs on October 31, 2017. These actions set off a series of contentious forums, student protests, and formal expressions of disapproval by various stakeholders that continue to this day.

“We asked for this publicly-available information to investigate the possibility of filing a legal challenge,” said Deb Augsburger, UWS Local 6514 President. “Though we

MORE