July Newsletter

If you thought last month was slow, this one isn’t much better. Well, some major events have occurred, but they have been so long in coming they are somewhat like elephants giving birth––it takes about two years, and after the event you pick yourself up and keep moving with the rest of the herd. Yes, there will be some fussing by a select few, but really, no big deal.

In no particular order, let’s look at my Bored/Board notes. A slightly newsworthy note presented at the July meeting of the Board of Trustees was that the Accreditation Team’s final report bestowed another six or whatever years of legitimacy on the College of Marin. Oh yes, it’s important (remember the elephants), but not getting it would have been more significant. Both this time and during the last accreditation I was interviewed in my capacity as Union president by team members. Six or so years ago the hot topic was the strife between the Union and management. Why were there so any problems, they kept asking. All I could respond was, "what problems?" No major contract issues, no outstanding lawsuits; looks good to me. But no, they insisted, there are major (unspecified) issues. Now, when there have been problems with management––projected negotiations on all issues, litigation taken all the way to the State Supreme Court (by them, not us; we kept winning), and a meddling Board of Trustees with intrusive attorneys––not one word of concern on labor relations. What about the fiscal crisis, they asked. What crisis? Sure, we’re not rolling in bucks, but each year brings more than the one before and management is negotiating salary increases for everyone. Go figure.

Which brings us to the second item of interest. We have a new tentative three-year contract. No big deal, 14 months later. However, you, the Union members, must ratify this contract. The discussion and vote will occur at the semi-annual August general membership meeting. See elsewhere in this newsletter for where and when this will take place. There will also be a flex workshop that will deal with some of the fiscal and contractual issues. As I look at this new contract, it basically seems to be a lot like the one before it. Hard to see the differences (kind of like elephants) unless you know what you’re looking for. Now that it is done, we just pick ourselves up and continue on. Come to the August meeting and express your opinions.

Last on my list of things to tell you is something brand new. There is another acronym in the world of the United Professors of Marin: UPMPAC. These letters represent UPM’s new Political Action Committee, just like the ones the Republicans (more elephants) and Democrats and every other group with a preference have. Now we too can have financial scandals and investigations by special prosecutors. Or we can spend a few dollars and try to have an impact on elections in the county that relate to education and the College of Marin. The PAC is a separate entity from the Union, registered with the appropriate Marin County officials. The UPMPAC currently consists of Arthur Lutz (UPM’s representative to the North Bay Labor Council), Tom Menendez (our representative to the Bay Ten) and myself (only very briefly as treasurer, looking to be replaced real soon).

There is space for many more participants, so if you want some say in how the money will be spent, let any of the above know. The group hopefully will be contracting with an advisor/consultant soon and gearing up for the next available elections. Oh, what money, you say? Now don’t start stampeding like a herd of elephants, but you now have an opportunity to make a difference and plan for your future. The UPMPAC is a legitimate, nonprofit, tax-deductible organization, to the extent that the law allows. Your flat donations of any amount are readily accepted. But we know that you really don’t have twenty-five or fifty dollars to invest in your future, and you are too embarrassed to write a check for $5 or hand us a couple bucks in cash (make no mistake; we would definitely accept it). So how about a payroll deduction of only $2! (More is nice.) Look for the forms in your box, watch for the members who will be encouraging you to contribute. Sure, one more contribution, but this one goes directly to your future.

I know you are probably reading this newsletter on the African plains, photo shooting elephants, and all of the above is far from your mind. But you will be back, and as always, we want the place to which you return to be better than when you left. Stay rested and see you in a few.

1999 Newsletters:	Jan. Feb. March April May June/July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec.
1998 Newsletters:	Jan. Feb. March April May June/July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec.
1997 Newsletters:	Jan. Feb. March April May June/July Sept Oct Nov Dec.