Ranked faculty at California College of the Arts successfully organize to join CFT!
Congratulations to the ranked faculty at the California College of the Arts, whose new union was voluntarily recognized by the college administration last week following a nearly two-year organizing drive.
Faculty at the prestigious art college in San Francisco came together around core issues familiar to higher education faculty across the country, including the need for a living wage, fair grievance procedures, safeguarding academic freedom, respect, improved governance, and economic transparency.
Of the 164 ranked faculty at the college, over 93% committed to support the union. That incredible number is a testament to the faculty’s commitment to their college and to one another.
“We came together to ensure a college culture where everyone has an equal seat at the table,” says Kim Anno, a 27-year tenured professor at the college who helped lead the union drive. “We’ve grown immensely over the last year and a half and are eager to create a community where members are welcome.”
Fantastic work everyone! And welcome to CFT.
CFT voter guide now online
The March 5 primary election is just around the corner, with vote-by-mail starting on February 5. Before you vote, please take a moment to review CFT’s Educators Choice Voter Guide, and share it widely with your colleagues, friends, and family. The guide contains voting recommendations for state legislative candidates and for local candidates and measures that will appear on your ballot. In addition, the CFT Executive Council has recommended a yes vote on Proposition 1, the mental health bond.
CFT leaders urge legislative leaders to support public education
On Wednesday CFT leaders got a chance to talk with key legislative leaders and staff about the need to protect public education in uncertain times. The meetings in Sacramento were focused on several core issues, including full funding for schools, addressing the staffing crisis, supporting climate resilient schools, and expanding career education opportunities for educators and school workers. CFT leaders also expressed growing concerns about the rapid development of Artificial Intelligence and the impact it is having on our students, our jobs, and our society.
Following the meetings, legislative leaders and staff from throughout the state attended a CFT reception near the Capitol, where additional conversations took place in a more informal setting.
Pictured above, CFT leaders and staff with Assembly Education Chair Al Muratsuchi.
Supporting CFA faculty on strike next week
Starting Monday the 29,000 members of the California Faculty Association will take part in a system-wide, five-day strike at all 29 California State University campuses. The core issues in the strike include ensuring a fair and equitable wage increase, workload concerns, staffing ratios, and campus safety.
For more information about how you can support striking CFA faculty at a campus near you go to calfac.org or check out their Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages.
Solidarity with striking LA Times workers. Members of the LA Times Staff Guild are taking part in a one-day strike today, the first in the paper’s 142-year history. Guild members are striking following news that the owner of the LA Times intends to cut at least 100 jobs. Read more here.
