Click to view this update in a PDF

Colleagues,

1. 
   Membership meeting: On Wednesday, February 28 starting at 4 PM, we will be holding at NTU Membership meeting at Oliver Street School.  On the agenda for this meeting we will discuss:

• Contract Reopener for School Year 2018-2019
• Observations and Evaluations
• NTU Recommitment Campaign (What is Janus and how can we best prepare for Janus’s impact)
• Building Rep Reorganizing
• Local Control – Next Steps

The Union is the Voice of its members, let us hear from you!!

-----------------------------------------

2. 
   Flu Concerns: We have heard concerns from our members about

The American Federation of Teachers held their Northeast Regional Meeting at the Hilton Newark on February 10 and 11. NTU President John M Abeigon was a speaker along with State Fed President Donna Chiera and AFT President Randi Weingarten. Among the topics discussed were union building and obstacles to organizing. It was an informative conference that we believe will help make the NTU and AFT stronger.

Colleagues,

1) Emancipation Celebration – After 22 years of state control, Newark Public Schools were finally emancipated on Feb 1, 2018.  TODAY!!  Friday, February 9, there will be a celebration at Newark Symphony Hall at 4 PM to mark this tremendous occasion!  All NTU members and allies are invited!

2) February Increment – One question we get a lot is "What is a February Increment?"   Under NJ law, generally staff salary increases only happen twice a year, in September and in February. 

When you get your increment is based on your hire date.   If you were hired between March 1 and October 15

We have heard concerns from our members about the possibility of getting infected with the flu virus. There have already been 30+ childhood flu deaths nationwide so far in 2017-2018. Educators, parents and staff can help slow the spread of respiratory illnesses like colds, and influenza (flu). The Center for Disease Control has information on preventing the flu as well as materials and tools for schools. Click here

These resources include everyday preventative actions that help reduce the chance of infection:
 

Colleagues,

1) THE NTU IN TRANSITION - Your NTU continues to develop the NTU TRANSITION PLAN and is currently focusing on a Building Rep Committee Plan.  It was introduced to the Executive Board and Building Reps that attended their monthly NTU Building Rep Meeting and widely supported.  If you are interested in hearing about this plan, ask your Building Rep.  For Executive Board and Building Rep meeting dates, see the NTU website.

2 ) Health Benefits Contribution:  A few members reached out to us to say their health benefits contribution went up on their paystub.  Unfortunately, over the last