COPE Endorsement Vote Results

Last week our COPE (Committee on Political Education) met with another group of candidates, discussed preferences and concerns, and made recommendations to the membership regarding endorsement. The membership then voted on the proposed endorsements. This process is designed to solicit the democratic engagement of members on the candidates and issues in upcoming elections, especially as they relate to CCSF.  

However you voted, know that this process is yours, and that your voice matters. That is a key lesson of our recent campaign for a new contract-despite our differences and many serious obstacles, we expanded our unity as faculty to win a 14% raise, our first in 3 years. That is the power of collective action, and it is important to take the lesson to heart. Now is the time to work together to achieve the full renewal of our accreditation, choose a new Chancellor, and continue to improve upon our mission to serve our students.

Here are the results of your recent COPE vote:

• Alan Wong for CCSF Trustee, 64% yes to endorse

• Ryan Khojasteh for District Attorney, 61% yes to endorse

• Barbara Lee for US Senate, 69% yes to endorse

• No on Prop F, 66% agree to oppose

Keep voting, keep showing up, and let’s continue to build the unity of our union for the sake of our college and our community. Working together–that is how we grow our enrollment and achieve the full renewal of our accreditation.

Special Meeting of the Delegate Assembly, Tuesday 2/27, starting 4PM on Zoom

There is a Special Meeting of the DA to be held on Tuesday, 2/27, starting at 4pm to complete the election of our AFT2121 Election Commission, which we began at the last DA meeting. Precinct representatives and all other members are encouraged to attend meetings of the Delegate Assembly.

See DA agenda here

You can use the same link as for other DA meetings – follow this link from your computer or smartphone. Meeting ID: 810 1671 8065, Password: 783119. Full link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81016718065?pwd=UFk0SzdUY2FLdXdLL2RLZW1wdnhRZz09#success

Watch Out for Phishing

You’re probably used to ads and spam in your CCSF email. Faculty have reported email from California Employee Retirement Planning, Red Resource, and Forthright Capital Partners, which claim to be able to advise employees about STRS and retirement. None of these are connected with our actual benefits.

These could be phishing attempts, or they could be private companies looking for customers. Either way, they are not your actual benefits services. Here are some of the *real* organizations involved in our benefits and retirement:

• You can schedule a planning session directly with CalSTRS – you don’t need to use private for-profit companies.

• Our AFT 2121 Retiree Chapter is a great resource if you have questions.

• CCSF HR has a benefits page.

• CCSF also works with the San Francisco Health Service System (HSS). HSS uses the P&A Group as their COBRA administrator.

• CCSF hired Keenan & Associates to manage the SERP and some other financial services.

• CFT hosts webinars for union members on many issues, including retirement. Here’s the CFT WEP/GPO repeal toolkit.

• AFT National has a variety of member benefits.

• Summer is AFT National’s student debt forgiveness tool.