Report from Oct.24 Conference

by Aaron Neimark

This historic conference held on Saturday, October 24th at UC Berkeley had approximately 800 attendees from across the sate of California. Participants represented pre-K-12, community colleges, University of California, California State Universities, (faculty and students alike) parents, community members, and other workers. The conference was planned on the heels of the September 24th walkouts at 10 different UC campuses.

Representatives from CFT attended and had a table at the conference, members of Oakland Educators Association, Berkeley Federation of Teachers, California Faculty Association, AFT, UESF, the SF Labor Council, and many more also participated.

The opening remarks from graduate students, university workers, and teachers focused on the theme of unity in the face of devastating state budget cuts. The conference’s main purpose was stressed: To discuss, debate, and decide on statewide proposals from various breakout groups (Pre-K-12, Community Colleges, UC’s, CSU’s)

During the breakout groups (I participated in the Pre-K-12 group) different ideas were discussed in terms of organizing at the school site level, and in the larger context of districts and cities. Different proposals were made but a single day of action across the state gained the most traction. Different dates were discussed relating to layoff notices, release of budgets, etc.

When the groups reconvened in the main hall the breakout groups reported what they had discussed and a discussion about these occurred. After hearing different sides to various proposals, a day of action across California was agreed upon by an overwhelming majority. Campuses, schools, organizations, unions would decided what this day would look like and what it would entail. A March on Sacramento, walkouts, giving out information at schools, rallies, a single day strike, were some of the ideas. The date of March 4th was voted on because of the proximity to layoff notices and that the date is far enough away to allow time for organizing.

As a union activist and teacher I was inspired by this conference. I had many great conversations with teachers and union activists. Sitting next to me was a professor from Sac State and member CFA. As we talked about the problems that “WE” are facing in public education, I thought about how rare this was. What a unique opportunity to see this as one big struggle.