Find us during FLEX tomorrow: Our Union asks for a “yes” vote on dues increase
During the fight to protect our college over the last few years AFT 2121 reserves have diminished dramatically. AFT National and CFT Statewide have been increasing their fees, and we have not passed on those increases to our faculty since 2011. At the same time, our Local has invested its limited resources in a high level of organizing in support of the successful contract campaign, the battle against the ACCJC, and to save our college. We have been discussing the impact on AFT 2121 finances and the need to increase dues. Faculty at other CA colleges commonly pay 1.5% in dues.
Earlier this month our rank-and-file leaders voted to approve bringing a dues increase from 1.26% to 1.5% to a vote of the membership. Our Union is asking all members to sign a pledge card pledging a “yes” vote. AFT 2121 will set up a table near RAM Plaza and the cafeteria tomorrow during FLEX Day, so please stop by, say hello, and sign a solidarity card. More info on voting times and locations to come soon.
Report Back: Golden handshake discussions
You’ve probably heard rumors that administration is planning to offer some sort of retirement incentive, or “golden handshake,” to encourage long-time tenured faculty to retire. Any plan they offer must be negotiated with AFT 2121. We met with administration about it last week. At this point, we have more questions than answers.
Our numbers of overall faculty and of full-timers are already dropping dramatically. We currently have only 594 full-time faculty, down from a high of 823 in 2011. It’s hard to imagine what CCSF would look like if we lost 100 full-timers. Admin has said nothing so far about their plans to replace faculty who retire, beyond the idea that all hiring should go through the normal CCSF hiring processes.
We want to explore all options that would benefit our members who are near retirement. But we’re also concerned that early retirement could further downsize the faculty and the college. We will need to learn more about admin’s intentions to hire replacement faculty.
Here is what we’ve heard in discussions so far. Please keep in mind that these are only preliminary ideas, and all of this could change. Read more details…
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