On the Home Front

This spring the key focus of the Passaic County Community College chapter of United Adjunct Faculty of NJ has been negotiations.  I thank everyone who participated in the surveys.  Quite a few people added their own comments to explain their ratings or share their experiences.  This was helpful and were considered along with comments and priorities in the negotiations survey when creating our demands for negotiating with the College for a new contract. .  The data is also guiding the negotiations team.  There was a broad range of views on the hiring process.  There were also some misconceptions noted in people’s comments that merit clarification.  First, the college is free to hire or not hire adjunct faculty each semester.  Second, the school is not required to give any explanation for not rehiring someone who has been working there regardless of how many semesters he/she has worked. In addition to negotiations, the union has been having a successful membership drive.   

AFTNJ/AFT

AFTNJ, the state union with which we are affiliated, has been busy advocating on our behalf, as well.  One area it is working in is trying to make sure that adjunct faculty do not have difficulty collecting unemployment.   AFTNJ and AFT national are also watching what effect full time status requirements will have under Obama care.  The regulations are still unclear as to what equals thirty hours a week (the amount of time to be considered full time) when it comes to teaching as adjunct faculty members.  One negative trend that has been noticed is that some schools have reduced the loads adjunct faculty can teach out of concern for being required to provide health benefits.

UAFNJ

We are a chapter of the United Adjunct Faculty of NJ.  Enclosed with this update is elections material for the UAFNJ.

GOING GREEN/SAVING GREEN

In the past I have asked for non school  e-mail addresses, and many people have given them.  However, many have not.  E-mail would allow us to be more environmentally friendly, save money, and save time.  Please e-mail me your e-mail addresses.  I can be reached at n2slf@aol.com/