Ed Fortmayer, JFT President Meladie Munch and LFT President Steve Monaghan.
Veteran Jefferson Parish teacher and union activist Ed Fortmayer has received the Louisiana Federation of Teachers’ Pioneer Award. The award is presented annually to a union member who has made a unique contribution to the Federation’s success through dedication, service and leadership.
For over 35 years, Ed Fortmayer has been a member of the Jefferson Federation of Teachers. He served as a building representative, area coordinator, member-at-large of the union’s executive council, and elementary school vice president. He has been a member of the union’s bargaining team and a trustee on the Health and Welfare Fund Board.
While serving in these leadership positions, Fortmayer taught school and took on additional union responsibilities by becoming a vice-president of the Louisiana Federation of Teachers.
He has participated as a delegate to the Louisiana Federation of Teachers Convention, several American Federation of Teachers Conventions and many Louisiana AFL-CIO Conventions.
Even in retirement, Fortmayer has remained active in his union. He volunteered his assistance in the Jefferson Federation’s recent effort to win collective bargaining rights for school employees, and is assisting as the chapter works toward negotiating a new contract for teachers.
The award was presented by Jefferson Federation of Teachers President Meladie Munch during the LFT’s 47th annual convention in Bossier City.