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Advocating for a Retirement Enhancement Opportunity for Certain Members of the MTRS

Teachers have been through a lot over the past 18 months. Teaching for a full year during the pandemic required many years' worth of effort, and it's taken a toll on a number of teachers. Some teachers who are near the end of their career already, especially those at high risk for severe illness from COVID-19, are ready to retire to protect their own health.

This legislation is a fiscally responsible way to support teachers who want to retire this year while preserving the financial security of the state’s pension system and making way for a new generation of educators.

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Take The Fair Share Amendment Vote Pledge

The top 1% make their first $1 million without additional tax, after that we're asking for 4 cents on their millionth and one dollar and so on. This would raise a substantial amount of NEW revenue annually to be re-invested into our public education system and transportation infrastructure. Right now, the Massachusetts economy is working great for those at the top. But it’s time to invest in our public infrastructure, schools, and communities, so that working families across MA can receive the support and benefits they deserve. EVERYONE must pay their fair share in taxes. We must pass the Fair Share Amendment and invest in the Commonwealth.

Do you plan to vote YES to pass the Fair Share Amendment on the ballot in 2022? Sign our pledge to become an official Fair Share Amendment Voter!

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Take Action and Support the Revere Federation of Paraprofessionals' Negotiating Team

Over 18 years ago, Revere’s School District decided to cut paraprofessional hours rather than offer them healthcare. This not only short-changed a workforce that is predominantly low-income women, but it also undercut services provided to our most vulnerable students. Paraprofessionals are the education aides to pre-kindergarten, students who have disabilities, support for those that need help with areas of academics, and support for those that need English language help. This cut minimized the amount of time given to students by each para and created massive turnover and difficulty in hiring to fill the positions. The decision to do this was shortsighted and continues to hurt kids.

Currently we, the Revere Federation of Paraprofessionals, are bargaining with management over a new union contract for the paraprofessionals. We have asked that our members be treated like paraprofessionals are in other districts across the state and made full time. Management has been dismissive and demeaning, rolling their eyes, making threats to reduce jobs, demanding that para’s do work outside of the classroom, and denying that there is indeed funding. We have made movement at the table, they have not.

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Get Updates and Learn More About the Massachusetts Education Justice Alliance

 

Members of Massachusetts Education Justice Alliance (MEJA)  are the students, parents, educators, community and union members who stand united in support of the most essential public good, one conceived in our state two centuries ago: universal, free public education.

MEJA partner organizations and activists including AFT Massachusetts believe that public education, pre-kindergarten through college, is the foundation of our democracy. Public education must be protected and “cherished,” as our state Constitution demands.

Click here to get updates and learn more about MEJA.

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Take Action: Make your voice heard

Make your views known to those in Congress and state legislatures who represent you on the issues that affect working families every day.  Visit the AFT's Take Action page.