Part-time faculty in Yuba win a historic contract
After months of organizing, this week the Yuba College Federation of Teachers, AFT Local 4952, overwhelmingly voted to approve a historic contract settlement that includes significant victories in terms of pay parity and healthcare for part-time faculty.
Local 4952 represents part-time faculty in the sprawling Yuba Community College District, which spans eight counties and nearly 4,192 square miles. Their victory included increased compensation for all of their members, spanning from 15% all the way up to 50% for the lowest paid part-time faculty. It also includes 100% district reimbursement for part-time faculty healthcare, which will enable their district to access their portion of the $200 million in the state funds fought for and won by CFT two years ago.
Central to the contract victory was a great organizing plan, which included multiple speak outs at the Board of Trustees meetings, a large rally, and a petition signed by 75% of their members. But equally important was the focus on equal pay for equal work. Working with their administration, they were able to agree on defining what parity meant for part-time faculty, and were able to secure increased compensation for not only instruction, but for office hours, grading and prep. Congratulations on the fantastic campaign!
Pictured above: Local 4952 members were joined by CFT President Jeff Freitas at a rally at the beginning of this past school year.
Urge California’s budget leaders to fully reimburse community college part-time faculty office hours
Please take a moment to sign this CFT petition to California’s budget leaders to provide 100% reimbursement for districts who participate in the Part-Time Faculty Office Hours Program.
California budget leaders are now negotiating the final budget for 2024-25 fiscal year, and they have the opportunity to increase reimbursement rates for part-time faculty office hours at community colleges from 50% to 100%.
Please sign the letter today.
CFT leaders attend community schools events in Georgia
Last week a team from Salinas Valley Federation of Teachers, AFT Local 1020, joined CFT Executive Vice President Juan Ramirez and EC-TK/12 Council President Steve McDougal at an AFT community schools gathering in Georgia. Many then attended the Institute for Educational Educational Leadership’s National Community Schools and Family Engagement Conference in the following days. With $4 billion in state funding available for implementing community schools in California, CFT locals are right in the mix in helping to advocate for funding in their districts and making sure our voices are heard in implementation.
Pictured above: CFT's Juan Ramirez and SVFT President Kati Bassler are joined by AFT President Randi Weingarten and school leaders from Salinas at the gathering in Atlanta.
News in Brief
Gun violence awareness month. This weekend people around the country are coming together with a simple message: There's more we can do to end gun violence. Join the movement by signing up to attend an event near you during this Wear Orange Weekend, June 7-9. Share photos of yourself wearing orange with the hashtags #WearOrange and #EndGunViolence on social media this weekend, and check out the events happening around the country.
CFT Pride Reading List. Get your summer reading list ready with these CFT Pride reading recommendations, including children’s books, young adults novels, and much more! And don’t forget to check out CFT's curated collection on Pride Month, including lesson plans, history, and more.
Take action to demand STRS and PERS divest from fossil fuels. A critical bill supported by CFT is currently up for consideration in the California State Legislature and you can help. Please take a moment to sign the CFT letter urging our elected leaders to divest our pensions from fossil fuels,
Inspiring end of year message from ERFT. Lilia Carreon, President of El Rancho Federation of Teachers, AFT Local 3467, sent these inspiring words to her members following another school year: “Daily, our members change the world. Sometimes we may not realize it…However, every member has made a difference to our students. Think back on the first day of school when your students did not have the skills they now possess. While closing the school year, recognize just how far your students have come and appreciate your part in their progress.”
