What has your union done for you?
Did you know that when we were in negotiations for our current contract (although the contract was scheduled to expire in 2010, P-fac negotiated its extension along with back-pay until a new contract is signed), P-fac negotiated a 5-6% increase for the first tier of the pay scale? The first tier on the pay scale represents adjuncts starting their second semester teaching until they reach 21 accumulated credit hours.
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NLRB Issues Two Decisions
P-fac recently filed several new Unfair Labor Practice charges against Columbia College. The National Labor Relations Board has already issued two complaints against the College and a notice of hearing. Both of these issues are re-occurring violations, therefore the NLRB is considering issuing a broader remedy.
The NLRB has determined that Columbia College did not respond to, and refused to furnish P-fac with, information regarding the effects of the implementation of an "early feedback" system in the First Year Seminar program. P-fac requested the names of adjuncts who might have been subject to any disciplinary action or remediation based on this "early feedback" system. P-fac has the legal right to receive this information, which was refused by the College; the NLRB has therefore issued a charge on behalf of P-fac.
The second charge pertains to classes that were changed from four credit hours to three credit hours across several departments. These classes did not change in structure or content, but the credit hours were reduced and therefore adjunct pay was impacted. The College did not bargain the effects of this change with P-fac and its members. Because the College failed in its legal duty to bargain the impact of such changes the NLRB has issued a charge against the College on behalf of P-fac.
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Teaching a "Full Load"
Did you know that just a few years ago many adjunct instructors taught a "full load" of classes on a regular basis? Instructors who requested three classes were not prevented by any departmental policies that limited instructors. Did you know that some department managers have now told adjunct faculty that they can no longer teach three classes, or they can no longer teach classes back-to-back? Are classes being limited in your department? If so please contact us.
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Faculty Senate to Hold Special Session with Carter
You may have received an email from Pegeen Reichert Powell on behalf of the Faculty Senate. The Faculty Senate has passed a motion to hold a special session on Monday, May 14, in order to invite President Carter to answer the specific concerns of the faculty.
Full-time and adjunct faculty are concerned with recent events at Columbia. Quality of eduction is directly tied to academic freedom and job security for full-time and adjunct faculty. The faculty support tenure, instructional continuity and academic freedom.
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