Victory for UC-AFT lecturers!
After a marathon negotiating session that lasted from Tuesday morning at 9 a.m. until 4 a.m. on Wednesday morning, the UC-AFT lecturers union announced it had reached a tentative agreement with UC administration on the terms of a new five-year collective bargaining agreement. The deal includes groundbreaking improvements in crucial areas, including job stability, workload, and compensation. It also came hours before UC-AFT members were set to walk the picket line on a two-day Unfair Labor Practices strike.
The landmark agreement, which is being hailed as one of the best contracts for contingent faculty across the nation, would not have been possible without an unwavering commitment by UC-AFT to organize and build the union.
UC-AFT President Mia McIver said, “This victory is owed to the hard work of organizing that our members have done for over two and a half years. Thousands of you have participated in our campaign, from joining our open bargaining sessions to pledging to join us on the picket line. We built the power to win the contract we deserve.”
“It has taken 20-plus years to get this victory,” added CFT President Jeff Freitas at a rally on Wednesday at UCLA. “It was through the lecturers talking to each other saying we want respect, we want job protections, we want to be treated like professionals. It’s in solidarity that we win.”
The victory also wouldn’t have been possible without the support and solidarity of the UC students, who have understood from the beginning that improved pay and working conditions for lecturers is good for them too.
For more on the victory and the celebrations this week, check out this great article on the CFT website: UC lecturers greet new contract as “a game changer” and “only the beginning."
Urge California’s congressional representatives to fund community schools
The White House and Congress have proposed a historic level of national funding for full-service community schools—$443 million, which is more than a 1,200 percent increase from last year! However, this funding is not yet guaranteed.
Please take a moment to sign this letter, urging our congressional representatives to include $443 million for full-service community schools in their appropriations bill.
More good news in state budget projections
According to an analysis by the state’s Legislative Analyst’s Office, California is projected to see an additional $20 billion in K-14 funding in the coming budget year, bringing the total funding for Prop. 98 to a historic $102.7 billion.
The additional funding will be critical to both K-12 and community college districts, as we face a host of challenges, including declining enrollment throughout both systems.
Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving
We hope that you all have a safe and happy Thanksgiving. This has been another incredibly challenging school year educators and school workers, who continue to go above and beyond for our students. We are grateful for your dedication and hope you are able to spend some time relaxing with your friends and family over the holiday.
For Thanksgiving lesson plans and curriculum, head on over to ShareMyLesson. And remember, buy union-made if you can this holiday.
