The

Union Press

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

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1997 Newsletters: January Feburary March April May June/July

C O N T N T S

Sept. Headlines District Presents New Counter Offer Ponderings of the President Letter to the Editor New UPM Representative of Part-Time Faculty United Parcel Service Strikers Flu Shots Corrections Electric Library Benefits of Membership Academic Calendar

Articles Counter Offer Ponderings Letter Part-Time Faculty UPS Strike Flu Shots Corrections e-Library Benefits Calendar                                                       Articles Counter Offer Ponderings Letter Part-Time Faculty UPS Strike Flu Shots Corrections e-Library Benefits Calendar

District Presents New Counter Offer UPM Deems Plan Insufficient In the latest round of bargaining over "re-openers" for the third year of the current Contract, District representatives aired a proposal that has been found by the UPM to be insufficient. Indeed, the total cost of the plan amounts to about $100,000 less than the cost of an offer presented earlier. Clearly, while the District's proposal includes elements that require careful consideration by the UPM, several issues of vital importance to the faculty have yet to be satisfactorily addressed. Key among those issues are wages, part-time faculty compensation, and faculty rights. On Wednesday, September 24, District representatives Paul Laughlin, Maggie Rumford, Scott Miller, and Sandy Boyd laid out a scheme that included extending the salary schedule by four new steps, a smaller increase in wages than earlier proposed, a curtailment in the flexibility of voluntary transfers, and no give on part-time faculty office hour compensation. In some ways, this offer showed a major departure from the District's earlier position. But the UPM, represented by Paul Christensen, Hank Fearnley, and Jeff Kamler, has characterized the offer as insufficient. Part of the District's proposal that draws some immediate interest is their response to the UPM's idea of adding four steps to each column in the salary schedule. At present, our schedule consists of 16 steps in each column, and the vast majority of faculty have reached that highest step, there to stay unless accumulated credit units or degrees enable an advance in column. The offer at the table describes an additional four steps per column, steps that are each attained with a year's service. The District, however, sees this plan as expensive, since as many as 108 full-time faculty languish at the current step 16 and would advance on the new steps over the next years. Thus, the District wants to reduce the overall cost of its earlier offer by about $100,000. Interestingly, the District has included in its proposal the idea of adhering to the "average of the top three Bay Ten" concept to figure overall salary increase. In this plan, one that the UPM is now considering, only the highest step of column 5 on the salary schedule would be used to compute the base average increase. In other words, we would calculate the average of the highest paid salaries among the Bay Ten schools at only the highest step on the schedule and then spread out the increase across the columns and steps of our salary schedule. In the past, we have calculated several averages of the top three Bay Ten schools, one in each column. The District's plan would set the salary increase (if any) at the average of the highest step only. Certainly, under this plan, the distribution of the increase would be spread more evenly across the schedule. The UPM is considering this proposal. A particularly sticky point in negotiations regards the UPM's idea of compensating part-time faculty for conducting office hours. The UPM wants the number of compensated office hours to be determined by the total units taught in a semester. As it turns out, the State is now considering legislation that would send money to districts for part-timers' office hours, but it is unclear exactly how much the State would pay if the Governor signed the bill. Of little doubt is the fact that this reimbursement would total only a portion of the cost of such office hour compensation, so the UPM wants the District to pick up the difference. So far, the District has expressed its unwillingness to do so due to its "high cost," as figured by the District. On another front is the issue of lecture and lab loads. For quite a while, the UPM and District have been trying to work out a change in the definitions and loads for lab hours relative to lecture hours. The effort began with what has become known as the Monroe grievance, a professional inquiry some years ago into the fairness of making an hour of laboratory teaching a fraction of an hour of lecturing. The District and the UPM have resolved to work out a fair set of definitions for different kinds of lab activities and thereby determine the rate of a lab load to a lecture load. The UPM has concluded from the District's latest offer that we're still apart on definitions of various kinds of lab activities. We're particularly far apart on the plan to resolve disagreements that will surely evolve when different courses are "defined." You see, the Union/District Workload Committee would likely be charged with the responsibility to review all our lecture/lab courses and to apply to each the definitions regarding various kinds of lab activities. But when there is a disagreement on the determination, someone must resolve it. The District wants the President to resolve differences, but the UPM disagrees. Yet another issue involves voluntary transfers, a right enjoyed by faculty for many years. The District wants to curtail the right of instructors to move voluntarily into an area of teaching for which they are eligible. The District wants to be able to cite a vague reason such as perceived harm to the college in order to veto an instructor's decision to transfer voluntarily into another discipline. If such a veto plan were implemented, of course, the transfers would no longer really be "voluntary," in the sense of free choice. The UPM is strongly opposed to any significant change of this long-held right. In some areas of negotiations, the UPM and District have found themselves without much remaining conflict or disagreement. However, these several issues remain sore points in the discussions. Overall, the District's counter offer is considered generally insufficient, so talks will continue. The critical issue at hand now is whether we can finish these rounds of negotiations before it is time to begin bargaining for a new contract! The District's latest plan costs less than their earlier plan, and that fact needs to be addressed. But the most important goals that the UPM has set for these negotiations are to provide the District with stability in salary cost projections and planning, to continue using the average of the top three Bay Ten salaries to calculate salary increases instead of COLA limits and so on, to secure a fair and reasonable salary increase, to enable part-time staff to get a fair chance at salary improvements and compensated office hours, to maintain the rights of faculty in the area of transfers, and to write language that applies just definitions to lab activities. It's a lot to accomplish in an "off year," but they are our firm goals. After securing authority from the UPM Executive Council, the bargaining team will once again meet with District representatives to offer a counter to their proposal. The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, October 1.

Articles Counter Offer Ponderings Letter Part-Time Faculty UPS Strike Flu Shots Corrections e-Library Benefits Calendar                         Articles Counter Offer Ponderings Letter Part-Time Faculty UPS Strike Flu Shots Corrections e-Library Benefits Calendar

Ponderings of the President As president of the United Professors of Marin, I have certain duties, responsibilities and obligations that befall me and which I must undertake, especially if I am to retain the chauffeured limousine and condominium in Hawaii provided to me. One of these tasks is to attend the occasional meeting of the Community College Council (CCC) of the California Federation of Teachers (CFT). This past month they met in San Francisco and I was able to be present. There were about 35 people in attendance, representing about 18 colleges in both northern and southern California. The opening hour or two of the meeting is always spent with each representative reporting what is going on at their institution. For me, this is always the most interesting part. You get to hear stories that remind you how much better or worse most anything could be that is happening at the College of Marin. For example, in the Los Rios District outside of Sacramento, the AFT local has been taken to the Public Employment Relations Board (PERB) by one of its members approximately 12 times in the last four years. Each time the individual brings charges of failure to properly represent her. Each time the PERB Board finds no basis for her complaint. This last time the Board was so fed up they actually placed monetary sanctions against the person for frivolous misuse of everyone's time and money. Even so, the local union was obligated to defend itself. A situation like this one helps to keep our own legal situations in perspective. Being sued by one of our ex-members/ex-employees only four times (the most recent instance in Federal court for $7 million), pales compared to Los Rios' near quarterly regularity. On the more positive side, numerous districts are striving through negotiations to obtain higher pro-rata pay, benefits and "seniority" for their temporary members, something we in Marin already enjoy. In addition, many locals are looking at our method of determining salary increases (average of the top three of the Bay Ten) and seeing benefits in having a formula based approach. Another part of the meeting was a report from the CFT legislative lobbyist. The UPM is an affiliated local, and part of your union dues go to support the lobbying efforts for legislation beneficial to community colleges and their employees. For example, CFT is the only organization that has consistently pushed for no tuition increasesin fact, has sought and obtained decreases in feesfor CC students. Similarly, CFT has recently supported legislators and legislation that will provide part-timers with paid office hours. The CFT lobbyist also brought a video tape of the California Assembly session during which the debate took place on the proposed law to require districts to move towards a 75%/25% ratio in full-time to part-time instructors. Have you ever heard the line that if you saw how sausages were made you would never eat them? Suffice it to say that this video tape was not pretty. Numerous legislators were questioning the meaning and origin of the 75-25 split, not realizing that it had previously been passed by them into law as AB 1725. Fortunately the vote was favorable towards this particular measure, but I still will not eat sausages. In the end we all left feeling wiser and in some way more fortunate. If nothing else, it serves to remind all of us, from the classroom to the college, from the union to the community, we are not that unique, and we most certainly are not alone.

Letter to the Editor Editor, Union Press I wanted to take this opportunity to thank the members of the United Professors of Marin Executive Council and Bargaining Team for their work in obtaining the right of entering faculty to be placed as high as step ten on the salary schedule. I feel that this was an important step towards acknowledging the contribution and role of faculty to academic institutions. In addition, I personally benefited significantly from this agreement. I am fortunate to be a member of such a supportive, professional union, and look forward to many years of membership. Sincerely, (s) Jamie Deneris

Articles Counter Offer Ponderings Letter Part-Time Faculty UPS Strike Flu Shots Corrections e-Library Benefits Calendar

New UPM Representative of Part-Time Faculty Last spring, as you remember, the UPM conducted an election to fill some available seats on the Executive Council. In that vote, Carol Costa was elected as representative of the part-time faculty, joining Jeff Kamler in that capacity. We welcome Carol to the Exec and pass along to you an open message from her to all the faculty at CoM: As one of your Part-time representatives to the Executive Council, I'd like to introduce myself. My name is Carol Costa, and I recently joined the force, running uncontested. If you wish to contact me about anything, please do! My home phone number is (415) 456-4165 or you can leave a message in my box at the Non-Credit ESL Office, Room 32, first floor of the Learning Resources Center on the Kentfield campus. I'd like to hear from you! (You can contact Jeff, too, at x7654)

Articles Counter Offer Ponderings Letter Part-Time Faculty UPS Strike Flu Shots Corrections e-Library Benefits Calendar

UPM Members Vote to Support United Parcel Service Strikers During Flextime, at the first General Meeting of the UPM, members expressed strong support of the UPS workers who were still on strike at the time. By a 4 to 1 margin, members of the UPM voted for a one-time assessment of $10 per full-time member, a charge that should appear on the September 30 paystub. Part-time members of the union will be assessed a pro-rated amount determined by their dues rate. The assessment will be sent directly to the strike support fund for UPS workers. Take note that the $10 (or portion thereof for part-time faculty) assessment is being charged only to members of the UPM and will be a one-time charge appearing in the September pay period.

Articles Counter Offer Ponderings Letter Part-Time Faculty UPS Strike Flu Shots Corrections e-Library Benefits Calendar

Flu Shots Available to Faculty Recently, we received a notice from June Lee regarding an upcoming schedule for administering flu shots on campus and wanted to pass the word on to you. What with El Niņo on the way, you may wish to take that ounce of prevention (and my undergrad bio teacher would kill me for saying that). Anyway, here's the info: Shots will be available to anyone over 18 on the following dates. The cost is $7 Kentfield Campus (Health Center, Dickson Hall, 118) October 10, Friday, 9 - 11 am October 14, Tuesday, 3 - 7 pm October 17, Friday, 9 - 11 am October 21, Tuesday, 3 - 7 pm October 24, Friday, 9 - 11 am October 31, Friday, 9 - 11 am Indian Valley Campus (Administration 121) October 20, Monday, 9 - 11 am (We do not bill Medicare or private insurance. Questions? Call 485-9458.)

Corrections In last month's edition of the Press, we (the royal "we"?) published two errors that must be corrected. First, we erroneously reported the time and location of the weekly UPM Executive Council meetings. The Exec meets on Monday afternoons at 2:30 in Austin Science Center, room 136. Everyone, however, is still welcome to attend those meetings. Second, in last month's Press, we gave the wrong impression about the UPM's bargaining proposal for "upgrading." Our proposal actually states that if a hiring committee sends forward in unranked order a list of candidates that includes more than one part-timer working at CoM, seniority would break the tie between the two part-timers. If the list of recommended candidates is ranked, seniority does not play a role. The Press (and the royal "we") regrets the errors and promises to do better.

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New Electric Library The semester has ended; you've calculated the grades and turned them in on time, and the summer months stretch out ahead. Now, as a Union member, you can finally take advantage of some of the personal benefits membership in the UPM affords. Maybe you can now turn to that purchase of a personal computer you've been planning, or perhaps you'd like to explore the Web for class materials. The American Federation of Teachers' AFT PLUS program can help in those endeavors. If you are a member of the United Professors of Marin, you are ipso facto a member of the AFT and thereby eligible to take advantage of the PLUS program. Still not at member? Just fill out the form below and send it to the UPM office. Electric Library Union Members are eligible for a 20% discount and a two-week free trial with Infonautics Corporation offering access to nearly 800 magazines and journals, more than 150 newspapers, two international newswires, two thousand classic books, thousands of photographs, hundreds of maps, poetry, and art. The service features a database containing material from Archive Photos, Reuters, Simon and Schuster, World Almanac, Times Mirror, and Compton's New Media. Download it all with bibliographic information automatically transferred. For info, go to http://www.education.elibrary.com/aft

Articles Counter Offer Ponderings Letter Part-Time Faculty UPS Strike Flu Shots Corrections e-Library Benefits Calendar

Benefits of Membership All members of the faculty full-time, part-time, credit and non-credit are eligible to become members of the United Professors of Marin. Membership in the union requires no additional fees or costs beyond the representation fees that faculty already pay each month. But membership brings benefits not available to folks who do not activate their membership by submitting the application. By submitting the application for membership in the UPM, you may immediately participate fully in the operation of the faculty union at CoM. In addition, you become a member of the CFT and AFT and are thereby eligible for all the discounts, group insurance programs, and coverages provided through programs like the AFT Plus Program. Among the many benefits available to members of the UPM are various car rental discounts through Budget, Alamo, and National. Here are some of the details: As an AFT member, National Car Rental offers you a free weekend day and weekend upgrades. Just identify yourself as a member and you'll receive special rates or discounts on daily, weekend and weekly rentals throughout the year at participating locations. For reservations, call your travel consultant or 1-800-CAR-RENT. Refer to AFT ID# 5130182. Valid until 12/97. Alamo's membership program offers discounted rates in the USA and Europe, no charge for additional drivers, and unlimited free mileage. For reservations, call your professional travel agent or call Alamo at 1-800-354-2322. Be sure to request AFT I.D. #93643 and Rate Code BY, A1 for weekend specials. Valid until 12/97 Every time you rent with Budget, you enjoy savings. AFT members are eligible for a 15% discount on standard daily rates and 10% discount on standard weekly and weekend rates. Budget is available at more than 3,200 locations worldwide. You also get free express services and membership discounts. For information or reservations, call Budget at 1-800-455-2848. UPM members refer to AFT Account ID Number T544500. Valid until 12/97. Title Regular Price AFT Price Business Week 46.95 37.95 Esquire 15.94 9.95 Forbes 57.00 38.00 Fortune 57.00 28.50 George 15.94 9.97 Gourmet 20.00 15.00 Life 35.00 17.50 MacUser 27.00 14.97 Money 35.95 19.00 New Yorker 39.95 19.98 Rolling Stone 25.95 17.95 Sports Illustrated 78.97 39.75 Time 59.94 29.97 Village Voice 53.00 39.95 Wine Enthusiast 23.95 11.99 Back to the Top

AArticles Counter Offer Ponderings Letter Part-Time Faculty UPS Strike Flu Shots Corrections e-Library Benefits Calendar

Calendar Academic Calendar and Flex 1997-98(Revised) Before you pin up the calendar that was published in last month's edition of the Press, take note that it has been revised (and corrected, too!). The major change to note is that the first day of fall classes will be one day earlier than originally planned, and the Wednesday before Thanksgiving will be an intersession day with no classes scheduled. Academic Calendar and Flex 1997-98 The District and the Union agree to the following Academic/Flex Calendar for 1997/98: Summer Session, 1997 Session I June 16 - July 25 (Only classes which are scheduled for Fridays will meet on July 25) Session II July 7 - August 1 (Only classes which are scheduled for Fridays will meet on August 1) Fall Semester, 1997 August 12, 13, 14 (Tu, W, Th) Non-Mandatory Flex-time August 15 and 18 (F, M) Mandatory Flex-time August 19 (Tuesday) Classes Begin August 29 (Friday) Census Date September 12 (Friday) First Drop Date September 19 (Friday) Last Day to Request CR/NC October 10 (Friday) Midterms Due November 14 (Friday) Last Drop Date November 26 (Wednesday) Intersession Day - No Classes December 13 (Saturday) Last Day of Classes Before Finals December 15 (Monday) First Day of Finals December 20 (Saturday) Finals End January 5 (Monday) Final Grades Due in Admin & Records Spring Semester, 1998 January 13, 14, 15 (T, W, Th) Non-Mandatory Flex-time January 16 (Friday) Mandatory Flex-time January 20 (Tuesday) Classes Begin January 30 (Friday) Census Date February 17 (Tuesday) First Drop Date February 20 (Friday) Last Day to Request CR/NC March 13 (Friday) Midterms Due April 24 (Friday) Last Drop Date May 15 (Friday) Last Day of Classes Before Finals May 16 (Saturday) First Day of Finals May 22 (Friday) Finals End May 22 (Friday) Commencement May 27 (Tuesday) Final Grades Due in Admin & Records School Holidays Summer 1997 Fall 1997 Spring 1998 *August 30 (Sat) January 19 (Mon) July 4 (Fri) September 1 (Mon) February 13 (Fri) *November 8 (Sat) *February 14 (Sat) November 10 (Mon) February 16 (Mon) November 27 (Thurs) *April 11-17 (S - F) November 28 (Fri) May 25 (Mon) *November 29 (Sat) * This is for the Academic Calendar only; holidays for classes taught on Saturdays only.

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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