rich 1.0 Action Network https://actionnetwork.org <link href='https://actionnetwork.org/css/style-embed-v3.css' rel='stylesheet' type='text/css' /><script src='https://actionnetwork.org/widgets/v6/petition/building-the-bridge-to-the-future-now?format=js&source=widget'></script><div id='can-petition-area-building-the-bridge-to-the-future-now' style='width: 100%'><!-- this div is the target for our HTML insertion --></div> AFT Washington https://actionnetwork.org/groups/aft-washington https://can2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/petitions/photos/000/390/608/normal/AFT_WA_Logo_Arc.jpg As the dedicated union faculty and staff of our Community and Technical Colleges (CTCs), we are united to improve our working conditions and our students’ learning conditions—because they are the same thing. For far too long, our CTC system has been hampered by a lack of investment in our most vital resource: our people. As we prepare for our state’s 2023 budget, and many of our schools bargain new collective bargaining agreements, we will do whatever it takes—from meeting with decision-makers to walking a picket line—to fix the issues that prevent our schools from succeeding: Instructors earn lower pay than K-12 teachers; Part-time faculty face high inequity and job insecurity; There is little support for struggling students and families; and There is little actual commitment to the principles of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Our state’s CTC system is the bridge to the future for our state’s economy, connecting our diverse student population with the high-quality jobs of tomorrow. By increasing recruitment and retention of great faculty and staff, enrolling more students, and helping more students complete their programs, we can achieve that goal. As united faculty, staff, and students, we will fight to get the support and funding we need to build this bridge to the future. We are ready for a change. https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/building-the-bridge-to-the-future-now