AFT: GFT election challenge lacks evidence

by Nick Delgado

Guam - The American Federation of Teachers concludes there is not sufficient cause for the organization to proceed with a full investigation on the complaints made regarding the Guam Federation of Teachers election. The complaints alleged several issues with the election committee including that the members were not appointed at the time required by the GFT Constitution and that the committee included too many members from the executive council.

Allegations were also made that the ballots at several voting sites were not counted, and that election officials were not properly trained. The AFT also looked into allegations that GFT President Matt Rector used union resources to campaign for union office. While the AFT states the election challenge does not provide sufficient evidence to support a full investigation, the AFT did reveal some deficiencies with the conduct of GFT's elections that must be addressed.

The AFT recommends GFT amend its procedures so that the election committee is composed of members who do not serve on the executive council, the committee should be operational at least 90 days prior to the election date, as well as hold a meetings with all candidates to explain election procedures, and the committee should provide more guidance to elected officials on voting procedures at the worksite.

The AFT considers this matter fully adjudicated.

• READ THE AFT'S LETTER