The

Union Press

Newsletter for the Faculty of the Marin Community College District
American Federation of Teachers, Local 1610

College Forms on-line | Back to Home Page

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

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

C O N T N T S

May 1998 Headlines Bargaining Proposal Ponderings of the President Labor and Social Action Summer School Part-Timers: ALERT! "Corrective Measures" for Instructors? Paying Part-Timers for Office Hours Proposition 226 Children's Center Faculty Letter to the President REWARDING SUMMER "Recreation Connection" Benefits of Membership Special Pricing on Apple & IBM computers Real-Time Weather From CoM CoM in the News Campus Events e-mail CoM Faculty

Articles Bargaining Ponderings Labor School Part-Timers "Corrective Measures" Paying Part-Timers Prop. 226 Children's Center Letter SUMMER Recreation Connection

District Sunshines Bargaining Proposal Ten Contract Articles on the Block With face-to-face negotiations slated to begin in June, the District has "sunshined" its bargaining proposal in response to the UPM's general position that was made public in April. Although the District's proposal contains no details about the specific objectives the administration is seeking, a look at the list of Contract articles they want to put on the table is revealing. First, the District wants to open ten articles. That's a lot. If the District is seeking so many objectives and is hoping to attain them, they sure must have the resources to bargain with. And yet the administration is pleading poverty, as evidenced by Middleton's claim that the District is in danger of slipping into bankruptcy and the lament over Kaiser's reported cost increases. Could all the hew and cry somehow be a sign that we've entered the season of bargaining? Or is the District assuming that they can achieve their objectives in ten articles by the simple power of persuasion? The list of ten articles by itself tells a tale. The District's proposal is to open Article 1 (Recognition), Article 4 (Fringe Benefits), Article 5 (Leaves), Article 6 (Transfers and Assignments), Article 8 (Workload), Article 10 (Class Size), Article 15 (Reduction in Force), Article 16 (Upgrading of Part-Timers), Article 24 (Professional Standards) and Article 26 (Student Academic Grievances). Of course, we don't know exactly what the District is after in all of these Contract areas, but the topics themselves paint at least a broad picture. Similarly, the UPM has not yet detailed all of the faculty's bargaining position; both sides will have a chance to do that during the face-to-face negotiations that will presumably begin in June. But the UPM has announced one significant proposal having to do with an early retirement incentive. The UPM bargaining team has suggested that the District adopt an incentive that would give ETCUM status to retirees, an idea that would have no direct cost to the District. Instituting such an incentive would benefit the District although the administration believes that retirements will occur without incentive. This year, without any incentives in place, only three members of the unit have announced retirement, a particularly low number when you take into account the number of people eligible for retirement. Paul Christensen, Chief Negotiator for the UPM, is awaiting word from Paul Laughlin, his counterpart on the District's side, regarding specific dates for the sit-down meetings. Once they begin, we'll all know what's afoot, and you can be sure you'll hear about it in the Press, mailed to union members in the summer.

Articles Bargaining Ponderings Labor School Part-Timers "Corrective Measures" Paying Part-Timers Prop. 226 Children's Center Letter SUMMER Recreation Connection

Ponderings of the President by Ira Lansing           May 1, 1998 To: All unit members From: Executive Council Subject: Telephones and Utilities It would appear that everyone received a memo from Scott Miller dated 4/30/98 in which he solicits our assistance in reducing telephone and utility costs. We support the District's desire to institute utility savings wherever possible (the deplorable state of some of the HVAC systems makes suggestions #3 and #4 in the memo laughable in most instances-the system seems to have a mind of its own at times). However, we find it strange that our chief fiscal officer would draw attention to directory assistance expenditures of $1,500 a year when he has, for over one year, disregarded a savings in another area that could amount to $50,000 per year! Specifically, the joint Unions-District Insurance Committee has been reviewing benefit costs. An independent, outside agency has informed the committee that some comparatively minor changes in certain areas could result in annual savings of $50,000. All unions have agreed to discuss and negotiate this matter with the District. For over one year now Scott Miller has procrastinated in addressing this sidebar. Could it be that this specific savings will require sharing the money with the unions? Whenever you are ready Scott, don't call directory assistance. Our number is 459-1524.

Articles Bargaining Ponderings Labor School Part-Timers "Corrective Measures" Paying Part-Timers Prop. 226 Children's Center Letter SUMMER Recreation Connection

First Annual Labor and Social Action Summer School Register for Credit or Drop in Sonoma State University will host the first annual Labor and Social Action Summer School June 12- 14th. Participants will include youth, labor, and community activists who are members of student/youth organizations, trade unions, environmental, civil rights, retiree, and women's organizations in Marin, Sonoma, Lake, Mendocino, Napa, and Solano counties. The general public is also invited to attend the entire program or the Friday and Saturday evening events. Participants may ear continuing credit and noncredit units for attendance through the Sonoma State University School of Extended Education. The purpose of the school is "education for action," which will enhance the organizing skills of participants, inform participants about the history of labor and other movements for social justice, and provide an opportunity for young people, community activists, and labor organizers to interact and establish collaborative relationships. The North Bay Central Labor Council is the main sponsor of the summer school. The conference will begin on Friday at 7:30 pm in 1002 Stevenson Hall with opening remarks by Michael Allen, President, North Bay Central Labor Council and a keynote address by Robert Pollin, Prof. of Economics, UC Riverside, titled "The Economic and Political Promise of the Living Wage Movement." Nine different workshops on Saturday will focus on issues such as internal organizing, new strategies for labor, building community-labor coalitions, understanding the right-wing agenda, and analyzing the North Coast power structure. Saturday evening, Shelly Kessler, Executive Secretary-Treasurer/San Mateo Central Labor Council and Salvador Mendoza, UFW/Sonoma County will deliver keynote addresses titled "The Right to Organize." A dance at 8:00 pm in the Zinfandel Dining Hall will feature the Michael Barclay Blues Band. On Sunday from 9:30 - 12:30 am a general plenary session will focus on "Building a Network for Labor and Social Action." Francisco Vazquez, Provost, Hutchins School of Liberal Studies will speak on "California Labor and the Legacy of Cesar Chavez" at 1:30 pm Sunday. A reception for the artist chosen for the Cesar Chavez Memorial Mural at Sonoma State University will follow. Participants may stay in dorms or apartments at Sonoma State University or commute to the school. Registration for commuters is $40 prior to May 22 and $50 afterwards. Registration fees will include meals on Saturday and Sunday and admission to the Saturday evening dance. The Friday evening presentation by Prof. Pollin is free and open to the public. The Saturday evening program is open to individuals who do not register for the conference at $5. Simultaneous Spanish translation is provided for Friday and Saturday keynote addresses, selected Saturday workshops, and the Sunday morning plenary. Child care is available of children ages 3-7 on Saturday. For registration information and a complete schedule of workshops and events call 707-545-7349 ext 18. Martin Bennett \Dept. of Social Science Petaluma Center SRJC

Articles Bargaining Ponderings Labor School Part-Timers "Corrective Measures" Paying Part-Timers Prop. 226 Children's Center Letter SUMMER Recreation Connection

Part-Timers: ALERT! AB 1714 Promises to Create Full-Time Jobs Bill Languishes in Appropriations Committee The California Assembly Committee on Higher Education approved a measure on March 31 that would provide thousands of full-time faculty positions for community colleges throughout California. The legislation (AB 1714) was introduced by Assemblyman Scott Wildman (D-43rd Assem. Dist.: Burbank, Glendale, Los Angeles). The measure introduced by Assemblyman Wildman would provide funding for 2,000 full-time community college faculty positions for each of the next five years if the bill moves on for a vote in Sacramento and if it isn't vetoed by Governor Wilson. "Community college courses are increasingly being taught by part-time faculty," Assemblyman Wildman stated. "This measure will help remedy this trend. Our college students need and deserve experienced, well trained, full-time instructors in order to receive the highest quality of education and training." According to the Faculty Association of California Community Colleges, approximately 40% of community college instructional hours are taught by part-time faculty. Over the last several years, Community Colleges have increasingly hired part-time staff rather than full-time staff. The official analysis of AB 1714 states, "Under the passage of AB 1725 (Vasconcellos, 1988), California community colleges with less than 75% of their hours of credit instruction taught by full-time instructors are to apply a portion of their program-improvement allocation funds toward reaching the 75% goal. AB 1714 would appropriate an unspecified amount from the General Fund for the 1998-99 fiscal year to fund the placement of additional full-time faculty on a permanent basis. The measure also states the Legislature's intent to fund an equal amount or more through 2003 to fund additional full-time faculty. The measure also mandates that General fund moneys used to increase full-time faculty come from within the community colleges' allotment under Proposition 98." The bill has moved to the Appropriations Committee, chaired by Carole Migden. As with most legislation that may require significant funding, this bill was placed into "suspense" after being reviewed briefly by the committee. More than a few bills have languished there, never again to be seen. This bill has some chance to upgrade a significant number of part-time positions, so it deserves a chance to be voted on. If you are interested in seeing this bill have its day in the legislature, maybe you could e-mail the Assembly Appropriations Committee Chair and demand its immediate attention. Here's how to contact the Chair: carole.migden@assembly.ca.gov Dear Assemblyperson Migden.... In fact, we have received one such communication, addressed to Carole Migden, sent to us by Tom Tyner. We'd like to have you take a look. Maybe it can serve as a kind of model for your own epistles: Dear Assemblyperson Migden, I am writing you about Wildman's AB 1714, which would create 10,000 full-time jobs over five years. It is in Appropriations suspend file, where all big-ticket bills originally go. This bill deserves to get out and move on, which it can only do with your support as the Chair, Carole Migden. I attended the May 4th Capitol rally for full-time jobs and part-tie faculty pay equity as one of a crowd of 250 enthusiastic participants who heard speakers such as Cruz Bustamonte and Cal Labor Fed's Tom Rankin. As a part-time teacher for a decade now, I feel that it is time my institution was given the financial capacity to assure me and my part-time colleagues a teaching career. Don Parrata assured me that there are funds available for this bill, and I therefore urge you to do the right thing and vote for this bill to get out of suspension. Sincerely, Ellen M. Starbird, San Francisco

Articles Bargaining Ponderings Labor School Part-Timers "Corrective Measures" Paying Part-Timers Prop. 226 Children's Center Letter SUMMER Recreation Connection

Grievance May Lead to Contract Modification "Corrective Measures" for Instructors? A grievance brought against the District some months ago may lead to a new procedure that would address instructors' performance problems, for want of a better term. The District has complained that it has no means to deal with an instructor whose work is less than satisfactory without going to the Ed Code procedures or Article 24 remedies. Is there not, they have asked, another way to handle a perceived job performance problem? District representatives have proposed a system of arbitration whereby an instructor whose performance is reported to be unsatisfactory would face a hearing to see if a real problem exists. But the UPM finds that process to be unsatisfactory since ultimately the instructor would be going through perhaps two arbitrations, each an expensive procedure. The UPM's Executive Council is working on the union's response to the District's proposal, and although the idea is at present sketchy, it seems to be a more reasonable approach. In the UPM's current idea, the new procedure would consist of three stages. First, one or more "trigger" conditions, such as poor student evaluations and student grievances, would have to emerge. Once the trigger is pulled, an investigation of those conditions would begin. Finally, if the investigation reveals a need for action, a joint Union/District committee would negotiate "corrective measures" to be undertaken by the instructor. At any time during that process, the instructor can opt not to participate or even to grieve the District's action taken against him or her. Important to note at this time is that the UPM has not yet agreed on this procedure, and the response to the District's request to discuss this matter may take an entirely different form. And after the Executive Council decides on a response, the members of the UPM must vote on it before it can go to the District. The only problem is this: The whole issue must be resolved by the end of June. Keep your eye peeled for an announcement for a General Meeting of the Members; your consideration and vote will be solicited.

Articles Bargaining Ponderings Labor School Part-Timers "Corrective Measures" Paying Part-Timers Prop. 226 Children's Center Letter SUMMER Recreation Connection

Paying Part-Timers for Office Hours Agreement on Language is Finalized The Professional Standards Committee members have worked out a plan whereby a Contract sidebar about part timers' office hours and a State plan for funding those hours are at last reconciled. With the plan, many part time faculty members will be paid for holding office hours. As you may recall, UPM and District representatives some time ago wrote a sidebar to the Contract specifying a means of compensating part-time faculty office hours. The sidebar carried a stipulation that the State would have to agree to fund at least part of the cost involved. The State came through, but the wording of its policy seemed to conflict with our Contract language, so the UPM and District again met to resolve the incompatibility. This is the "final" deal: A part-time faculty member teaching two or more classes totalling three or more units must conduct one compensated office hour per week. For those instructors teaching two or more classes that carry a total unit load of less than three units, no office hour will be available. A part-timer who teaches only one class has a chance at an office hour, but only if that one class yields 6 or more units, a relatively rare situation. Any part-time faculty member who taught in the spring semester and qualified (under the agreement language) and actually conducted office hours should apply to be paid. After all, the District will be compensated by the State.

Articles Bargaining Ponderings Labor School Part-Timers "Corrective Measures" Paying Part-Timers Prop. 226 Children's Center Letter SUMMER Recreation Connection

The fate of Proposition 226 is in Our Hands   by Tom Tyner, President of the Community College Council, CFT   Community college faculty have a reputation for being somewhat politically laid back. We are not the most active political workers in the world of organized labor. That of course is an image that does not fit all locals nor all members of locals, but as generalities go, it is not without substance. When it comes to defeating Proposition 226, the anti-union initiative financed primarily by out-of-state extremists, we must shed the slightest vestige of complacency. Proposition 226 is our to defeat or surrender to, and each of us individually must be held accountable to do our share of the work. If Proposition 226 fails, it will be because we have turned out a resounding "no" vote among all faculty and classified members of our school districts (with other unions doing likewise). Proposition 226 is aimed at silencing the political voice of educational unions and their members for a very clear reason: to put governmental officials into office who share the goals of the initiative's backers: passing private school voucher initiatives, eliminating teacher tenure and collective bargaining, and privatizing everything in sight - education, educational services, Medicare, Social Security - wherever there's the potential for corporate profits. Proposition 226 also further tips the balance of political power in favor of big business and corporations, whose political funding is not affected by 226. Not that big business needs a greater advantage, already outspending unions 11 to 1 on political contributions. Finally, Proposition 226 creates more unnecessary bureaucracy and red tape for employees, employers, and unions, creating expenses that are ultimately passed on to all of us. And of course Proposition 226 is not only anti-union and anti-public education, it is also completely unnecessary. All employees already have the choice of contributing to the union's political action efforts through membership or opting for fee payer status. With that choice available, no Proposition or law should infringe upon a union's ability to operate most effectively on behalf of its members. Please help your local's efforts to ensure that every faculty and classified employee commits to voting "no" on Proposition 226. You may do that through volunteering to make one-on-one contacts with faculty or classified staff and to do phone banking. Contact your local president to find out how you can be of the most help to the campaign. The passage of Proposition 226 would change the political and educational landscape in California in frightening ways, commencing with the November election. If 226 doesn't move us individually to get involved, nothing will. Unions do nothing better than take on uphill battles and win them through persistence and the collective will of our members. Let's show organized labor in California that community college locals are as good at fighting those battles as anyone, and that when labor needs to pull together to defeat something as odious as 226, we can be counted on.

PERB Settlement Hearing Scheduled Children's Center Faculty in the Unit? May 28th is the date set for a settlement hearing with an officer from the Public Employee Relations Board (PERB) to try to resolve an issue between the faculty of the Children's Center and the District. Earlier, PERB ruled that the UPM has a basis for a complaint in its thwarted attempt to have the Children's Center faculty join the unit and to be given back pay and benefits. Once the legitimacy of the complaint was acknowledged by PERB, we arranged to meet with a PERB representative and the District to see if the problem can be ironed out before moving forward with a full-blown unfair labor practice charge. That settlement meeting is scheduled for May 28th, and UPM representatives Bernadene Allen, Ira Lansing, Bob Bezemek, and two faculty members from the Center will be in attendance. We'll let you know about the outcome of that meeting.

Letter to the President The following is a letter sent to UPM President Ira Lansing. We thought you might like to take a look at it, too. -ed. Dear Ira, Of course I am a union member. I grew up in a blue-collar, Machinist Union home. Belonging to the union has always been like belonging to the Democratic party or belonging to the human race. Just as my membership in party and race required some attention, my membership in the union implied some duties. So I've paid dues and voted and rallied for important causes. I have always known the union was responsible for my good contract and safe salary. But it never occurred to me, ever, that the union had anything to do with me as an individual, with anything I didn't share with every other member. I never considered the union to be personal. Well, I was wrong. This semester I ran into a problem that I couldn't understand, a decision that I didn't think applied to me. I didn't know where to turn, so I went to the union, to Ira actually, for clarification. I needed advice on what the contract said and on what I should do. I was quite embarrassed to make the first call. My call was immediately returned. Ira set up a meeting to talk with me that very day. He listened with genuine courtesy and heard me out to the end. And by the end, he had the contract in hand and was explaining my case back to me. He called around getting the facts while keeping me aware of every step in this investigation. I was amazed. With no trouble to me at all, the union and the administration were able to unsnaggle a problem in our department, to explain all the issues, to settle things so that the problem was resolved, everyone was better off, and no one lost. I was amazed at the attention my problem received and the skill with which it was handled. The Union does have something to do with me after all. Thank you Ira, (s) Carol Adair

THE MEMBERS OF THE UNITED PROFESSORS OF MARIN'S EXECUTIVE COUNCIL WISH EACH OF YOU A RESTFUL AND REWARDING SUMMER. We will continue to work on behalf of you and your interests during Contract negotiations that are likely to begin in June. We also will keep you informed about the events of the union through announcements and this newsletter, mailed to you in the months of June and July. In fact, be sure to watch for a possible call for a vote on some settlement language. You can reach us via the regular UPM channels: snail mail, e-mail, and phone. Enjoy your hard-earned break, and don't forget to vote on June 2nd.

Articles Bargaining Ponderings Labor School Part-Timers "Corrective Measures" Paying Part-Timers Prop. 226 Children's Center Letter SUMMER Recreation Connection

Faculty Activities Update from "Recreation Connection" Travelling to LA next month? You may want to take advantage of our group discount benefit at a few fun recreational sites in the Southland. Members of the UPM are eligible for the discounts through the "Recreation Connection," an organization that provides reduced pricing to popular tourist attractions and the like. So, if you're a member of the UPM, then you can call these folks and sign up for their offerings. The web page for Recreation Connection has recent program information. You may want to take a moment to check it out. http://www.recreationconnection.com Monthly Program Highlights SEA WORLD Sea World brings the wonders and mysteries of the ocean together in one very special place. Sea World features 150-acres of amazing attractions, exciting shows and world class marine exhibits. Visit Shamu the killer whale, penguins, sharks and more! Adult #159 $28.95 $34.95 reg 3-11 years #160 21.95 26.95 reg Universal Studios, HOLLYWOOD Valid daily, May 1 - June 30, 1998 Save $12.00 per adult admission. Live the spine-tingling adventure in 65 million years on Jurassic Park, the Ride. Then scream through time on Back to the Future the ride from the 21st century, or catch the tidal wave action as Waterworld, a live sea war spectacular, brings the hit movie surging to life. Adult #31 $26.00 $38.00 reg 3- 11 years #32 23.00 28.00 reg WIZARDZ - HOCUS POCUS DAYZ Daily, April 1 - June 30 (Not Valid Saturdays) Enjoy L.A.'s hottest dinner theatre and nightclub. Enjoy amazing tricks while you dine in the elegance of the Theatre of Illusion, in the Universal Citywalk complex. Tickets must be purchased in advance from Employee Activities. However, you must also make reservations at 800-882-8729. Adult #13 $27.00 $39.95 reg 12 & under #14 $19.00 $20.95 reg This program is primarily a mail, fax, and Internet order program. Please note that the hours and days of operation are limited. Interested participants must bring proof of their union membership, as well as a valid California ID or Driver's license. Questions and comments should be addressed to EmployeeActivities@RecreationConnection.com

Articles Bargaining Ponderings Labor School Part-Timers "Corrective Measures" Paying Part-Timers Prop. 226 Children's Center Letter SUMMER Recreation Connection

Benefits of Membership If you are a member of the union and now have a subscription to America Online, you can find all the AFT information in the exclusive "members only" area through AOL's keyword "AFT." And if you don't have that subscription to AOL, your membership in the United Professors of Marin can help you get it, with a free 50-hour trial period on AOL and discounts in computer hardware. AFT has set up special purchase programs with IBM and Apple so that members have access to special pricing on computers. So, with your membership in UPM, you can get good rates on everything you need to connect easily to the World Wide Web If you are not yet a member of the UPM, simply fill out the form that appears below and send it in to the UPM office via intercampus mail. See you online! Get the latest union news, Internet access and e-mail service from America Online. For a 50-hour free trial period and access to AFT's members-only area, call 1·800·936·7100 Computers Special pricing for AFT members: CONTACT IBM 1·800·426·7235 ext. 4185 Apple 1·800·959·2775 (valid until 7/98) Last month, we announced a new benefit for members of the UPM: discounts on entertainment activities through an organization called the Recreation Connection. At that time, we understood that faculty members interested in taking advantage of the discounts would only have to submit orders at the organizations Web page, but we were wrong. Several people on the faculty tried submitting orders but found that they had to fax or mail an order form to an address that we had not listed. So here is what we hope is the complete procedure for ordering discounted tickets and the like: To order by mail or by fax, you must first secure an order form. You can get an order form from the UPM Office on the Kentfield campus, you can request a form by calling (818) 386-1046, or you can print out the form from the organizations Web page, found at this address: www.recreationconnection.com Once you have the form, you can mail it to: Recreation Connection P.O. Box 260854 Encino, CA 91426 Or you can fax the form to: (818) 386-9702 The Recreation Connection offices are in southern California where they have established walk-up order counters, but so far, no such facility exists in our area. For information, call (818) 386-1046. Gift Certificates Sees Candies $8.30/lb Movie Tickets Pacific $4.75 United Artists $4.75 Entertainment 98 Marin/Norh Bay $25.00 Monterey Bay The Aquarium $12.25 Pier 39 Value Pass for discounts at Underwater World, Blue & Gold Fleet, Pier 39 Garage San Diego Zoo Deluxe pkg. $16.75

Web Page graphics & design by Mike Godsey, windfind@metro.net

Forms

Forms AFFIDAVIT FOR ENROLLMENT OF DOMESTIC PARTNERS FORM APPLICATION FOR SABBATICAL LEAVE FORM GUIDELINES FOR SABBATICAL APPLICATIONS "SLIDING SCALE" OF VALUES FOR EVALUATING SABBATICAL LEAVE PROPOSALS REQUEST FOR UNPAID LEAVE VOLUNTARY TRANSFER AGREEMENT INVOLUNTARY TRANSFER AGREEMENT Form ASSIGNED HOURS AND SUBSTITUTE ARRANGEMENTS FORM ASSIGNMENTS DISTRICT DIRECTED ASSIGNMENTS INSTRUCTIONAL PERFORMANCE OBSERVATION FORM HEALTH CENTER NURSE PERFORMANCE OBSERVATION FORM