Progress in Sacramento as CFT supported bills make it past key legislative committees
Last week all 13 of the CFT-sponsored and cosponsored bills introduced this year in the State Capitol were passed out of the appropriations committees of either the California State Senate or Assembly.
Included in this list are two key priorities for CFT, AB 938 and AB 811. AB 938 would raise funding for TK-12 schools by 50% over seven years in order to raise educator and school worker salaries. AB 811 would allow students to repeat courses they already passed in our community colleges for skill building and life-long learning.
The successful votes were the direct result of the incredible advocacy of CFT members, including 10,000 signatures on CFT petitions, and hundreds who met directly with legislative offices and testified in support of bills during lobby days and in legislative offices.
The next step for many of these bills will be a full vote in either the State Senate or Assembly, while others will be considered when the Legislature reconvenes next year.
Great work everyone!
Congressman Adam Schiff speaks out in support of ArtCenter faculty
This morning in Pasadena Congressman Adam Schiff joined over 80 faculty, students, labor, and faith leaders to speak out in support of ArtCenter faculty in their campaign for a first contract.
Congressman Schiff, a former part-time faculty member at Glendale Community College, acknowledged that the faculty are organizing because they love their work. “Because of the extraordinary faculty here the ArtCenter offers a world renowned education,” said Schiff. “ But without the faculty and students and staff here at the college, there is no ArtCenter.”
Later on he added, “You are all so committed to ArtCenter and the ArtCenter must return that commitment by recognizing your need for job security, better working conditions, and better wages.”
Members of the ArtCenter Faculty Federation are eager to get a contract settled that respects their work, and recognizes their commitment to the college. Unfortunately, the management of the college continues to drag their feet during negotiations. And just this week the faculty filed a fourth Unfair Labor Practice charge because of illegal activity by the college administration.
A super-majority of the faculty have signed a strike pledge, with more commitments coming every week. However, faculty are hopeful that they can avoid a strike and ultimately settle a contract that respects faculty and maintains ArtCenter’s global reputation.
El Camino faculty rally for a new contract
Dozens of faculty members from the El Camino Federation of Teachers rallied and spoke out before their Board of Trustees meeting this Wednesday to demand action at the bargaining table. The faculty have been working without a contract since January 1, and contract talks are currently at an impasse and will likely go to fact finding.
According to El Camino Federation of Teachers president Kelsey Iino, faculty are frustrated by the management's unwillingness to come to an agreement on healthcare for part-time faculty, and by their lowball offers on wages and benefits, among other issues.
She and the faculty promise more actions in the coming weeks. Check CFT social channels to see how you can support them in their struggle.
Back to School Tour stops at University of San Francisco
This week CFT officers continued their Back to School Tour with a stop at the University of San Francisco to visit with both the part-time and full-time faculty unions. The faculty were joined by their fellow campus union, OPEIU, at a tabling event at the University.
USF Part Time Faculty Association member Rebecca Gordon shares why it is so important for all unions to work together on the campus in this great video from the event.
