Eric Brenner

Eric Brenner's Blog Posts

94% VOTE *YES* TO RATIFY TENTATIVE AGREEMENT

Posted November 17, 2023

Our contract ratification vote concluded at 5 p.m. Friday, November 17, and the results are in: 94% of voters voted yes to ratify the Tentative Agreement, with 6% voting no and 0% abstaining.  Overall, 442 members, or 51% of eligible voters, took part in the ratification vote—a significantly higher number than in our previous contract […]

STATEWIDE CAMPUS PARITY WEEK

Posted October 24, 2023

Contract Mediation Today (October 24) **Our AFT negotiating team is going into confidential contract mediation this afternoon, so some of the facts below may change. We will let members know as soon as we have any news to share. Campus Parity Week In the meantime, this week is the California Federation of Teachers’ #CampusParityWeek. Here […]

DISTRICT DECLARES IMPASSE / WE ARE WORKING TO GET A FAIR AGREEMENT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE

Posted October 17, 2023

Dear colleagues, At our AFT membership meeting on September 13th, we asked faculty for direction on how to move forward in our contract campaign. Our negotiating team heard your direction loud and clear and was working to carry out the plans we made at that meeting when we learned that the District had called for […]

JOIN AFT FLEX SESSIONS OCT. 11

Posted October 10, 2023

Join our AFT Flex sessions this Wednesday AFT reps at each campus will hold Flex sessions this Wednesday to update faculty on the most recent developments in our contract negotiations and engage faculty in a discussion about our future. We want you to attend this workshop so you can be part of the movement to […]

SOLIDARITY WITH UNION SIBLINGS ON STRIKE

Posted October 10, 2023

Solidarity with union siblings on strike About 453,000 workers have gone on strike so far this year to win stronger contracts and better working conditions. AFT 1493 has made donations to support 4 unions that have recently gone on indefinite strikes, including: Hotel workers in Los Angeles (Unite Here Local 11) Autoworkers in the Western […]

FT FACULTY WILL PAY LESS FOR HEALTHCARE IN 2024 UNDER NEW CONTRACT

Posted October 3, 2023

Dear colleagues, Recently we’ve heard a lot of understandable concern from full-time faculty about rising healthcare premiums. We know healthcare is getting significantly more expensive, and AFT has already negotiated for the District to pay significantly more towards full-time faculty healthcare than previously. Once our new contract is ratified, the District will pay the following […]

ADJUNCT FACULTY: SUBMIT HEALTHCARE PREMIUMS BY SEPT. 30TH

Posted September 26, 2023

Part-timers: Please read the urgent information below on our increased, expanded part-time healthcare reimbursement program. If you qualify for reimbursement, be sure to submit receipts for July through September premiums by this Saturday, September 30th at bit.ly/PTHealthSMCCD. You will not have another opportunity to request reimbursement for July through September premiums. Full-timers: Please share the […]

THANKS FOR SHARING YOUR PERSPECTIVE ON CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS

Posted September 19, 2023

AFT is all of us. Dear faculty colleagues, Thank you to the 70+ attendees at our recent all-member meeting, where you shared your thoughts and perspectives on our contract negotiations. Our negotiating team is meeting this week to talk about what next steps we’ll take based on the discussion at Wednesday’s meeting and all the […]

VICTORY! PT HEALTHCARE IMPROVEMENTS IN EFFECT *NOW*

Posted September 12, 2023

Good news! Your advocacy moved the District to significantly improve the current part-time healthcare reimbursement program. AFT and the District have now signed a Memorandum of Understanding that increases the PT healthcare stipend (Spring 2024 amount will be almost double Spring 2023 amount) and expands eligibility to part-timers who teach a total of at least […]

NEGOTIATIONS UPDATE: PART-TIME HEALTHCARE MOU; DISTRICT MAY DECLARE IMPASSE

Posted September 5, 2023

At our most recent negotiations on August 30, AFT and the District came to agreement on a one-year Memorandum of Understanding significantly increasing the healthcare reimbursement for part-timers, and expanding the pool of part-timers eligible for reimbursement. See further details in the full negotiations report here. This agreement is a major victory for our union […]

ACTION UPDATE: WHY DOES THE DISTRICT WANT TO MICROMANAGE COUNSELORS?

Posted August 29, 2023

Each of our weekly messages include a quick survey on your thoughts about the current District and AFT proposals on an issue by issue basis (see Negotiation FAQs). After reading this Action Update, let us know your thoughts regarding the District’s stance on counselors’ rights and any feedback you have on our union’s proposal.   […]

ACTION UPDATE: SMCCCD LAB RATES ARE SHAMEFULLY LOW

Posted August 22, 2023

Each of our weekly messages include a quick survey on your thoughts about the current District and AFT proposals on an issue by issue basis (see Negotiation FAQs). After reading this Action Update, let us know your thoughts regarding the District’s stance on Lab Rates and any feedback you have on our union’s proposal. FACT: […]

Data and Rationale for Load Factor Equity for Lab and Lecture Courses

Posted August 20, 2023

• View Lecture-Lab Ratio Percentages in California Community Colleges • View Rationale for Load Factor Equity for Lab and Lecture Courses   LECTURE-LAB RATIO PERCENTAGES IN CALIF. COMMUNITY COLLEGES The following data was collected in October 2021 by Cuesta College Federation of Teachers from California community college district HR web sites and collective bargaining agreements, […]

ACTION UPDATE: FACULTY SOUND OFF ON DISTRICT’S STALLING – YEAR 2 WITHOUT A CONTRACT

Posted August 15, 2023

Elizabeth Ingber, Skyline faculty member, shared their thoughts after attending a contract bargaining session on Wednesday, August 8. “Attending negotiations provided insight into the dialogue between our union and the district and revealed the degree of patience needed throughout the process. One can start to understand just how much time and prepared effort it takes […]

ACTION UPDATE: WE NEED YOU AT OUR FLEX DAY CONTRACT FORUM!

Posted August 8, 2023

Now that faculty contract negotiations have left confidential mediation, we are once again able to share information about negotiations with you. On Wednesday the 2nd, AFT negotiators presented our counters to District proposals on salary and benefits and dual enrollment. We also presented proposals on remote work, disability accommodations, parental leave, part-time rights in summer, […]

ACTION UPDATE: WHY ARE CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS TAKING SO LONG

Posted August 1, 2023

After reading this Action Update, let us know your thoughts regarding the district’s approach in negotiations by taking a short survey.     FACT: Since negotiations began over a year ago, the District’s negotiating team has refused to make any movement on AFT’s proposals in the following areas: Lab rates Parental leave Applying part-time seniority […]

ACTION UPDATE: THE TRUE COST OF LIVING FOR SMCCCD FACULTY

Posted July 25, 2023

We need salaries that allow us to live in our high-cost area! Be sure to scroll to the bottom of this message to take a brief survey to give us your reactions to the district’s current proposal on compensation!     FACT: The cost of living in San Mateo County is the highest of any […]

WHAT’S UP WITH NEGOTIATIONS?

Posted July 18, 2023

I heard our contract negotiations were in confidential mediation, but now mediation is over. Where are we and what’s next? Our union began negotiating with the District for our next contract in May 2022 and entered into a confidential mediation process in December 2022, meaning that we have not been allowed to share information with […]

MEDIATION CONCLUDED / DISTRICT’S POST-MEDIATION PROPOSALS

Posted July 11, 2023

NEGOTIATIONS UPDATE Confidential mediation concluded: New District proposals available As you know, AFT’s negotiating team and SMCCCD negotiators have been engaged in a confidential mediation process since January in an effort to come to agreement on our next faculty contract. Mediation concluded on Friday evening without an agreement. After mediation concluded, the District Chief Negotiator […]

AFT ACTION UPDATE 8: COLLECTIVE ACTION WORKS—CLASS MINIMUMS TO REMAIN AT 10

Posted July 11, 2023

    FACT:  In May, Interim Chancellor Moreno recommended increasing the minimum enrollment for a class from 10 students to 20—meaning more classes could be canceled for “low” enrollment. FACT:  Following speakouts from faculty and students, the Chancellor changed course and recommended continuing the 10-student minimum through the coming academic year, including summer ’24. Now […]

CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS CONTINUE IN CONFIDENTIAL MEDIATION

Posted July 6, 2023

NEGOTIATIONS UPDATE Contract negotiations still in confidential mediation – updates to come when possible Our negotiating team is still in confidential mediation with the District team. The last two meeting took place on June 16 and July 7. As soon as we can share more, we will.  We want to remind you that negotiations may […]

MINIMUM ENROLLMENT TO REMAIN AT 10 STUDENTS FOR 2023-24

Posted July 3, 2023

Following advocacy from faculty and students, the Board of Trustees voted June 28th to maintain the 10-student enrollment minimum through Fall 2023, Spring 2024, and Summer 2024. That means that courses that achieve an enrollment of at least 10 students will not be canceled. The 10-student minimum first came into effect through MOUs negotiated by […]

West Valley-Mission contract article on adjunct health benefits

Posted July 2, 2023

West Valley-Mission Community College District faculty contract article on Associate Member (i.e. adjunct faculty members) healthcare benefits, which provides adjunct faculty with at least 40% load for at least three semesters the same coverage as full-time faculty:

AFT ACTION UPDATE 7: SHOW US THE MONEY

Posted June 27, 2023

    FACT: From 2010 to 2022, SMCCCD’s revenues increased by over 100%, from $133M in 2010 to $269M in 2022 (unadjusted for inflation). Meanwhile, average FT faculty salaries only increased by ~30%. FAIRNESS? The District has the money to agree to AFT’s economic proposals, including fair raises for all faculty PLUS: 85% pay parity […]

AFT ACTION UPDATE 6: DUAL ENROLLMENT

Posted June 20, 2023

    FACT: In the coming year, SMCCCD administrators plan to double the size of our dual enrollment program, in which community college courses are taught to high school students at local high schools. FACT: Dual enrollment courses place unique demands on instructors’ time, including alternating “A/B” class scheduling (week A, the class meets MWF, […]

AFT ACTION UPDATE 5: PART-TIME PAY PARITY

Posted June 13, 2023

    FACT: In our last contract, the District agreed to a parity goal of 85%, meaning that adjuncts would be paid at least 85% of what full-timers make for the same work. FACT: Currently, an SMCCCD adjunct instructor teaching one class is paid between 71% and 77% of what a similarly qualified full-timer makes […]

Bay 10 Districts’ PT Instructors’ Pay Parity (% of FT Faculty Pay)

Posted June 6, 2023

PT Instructors’ Pay Parity (% of FT Faculty Pay): Bay 10 Community College Districts Marin: 95% Peralta: 87.5% CCSF: 86% Foothill: 83.5% Mission/West Valley: 82% Contra Costa: 80% San Mateo: 74 – 82% (78.5% avg.) (based on the District’s latest salary offer for 2023-24) San Jose: 73% Chabot: 72% Ohlone: 54 – 70% (64% avg.) […]

AFT ACTION UPDATE 4: PARENTAL LEAVE

Posted June 6, 2023

  FACT: SMCCCD does not offer any support for new parents beyond the limited Federal and California leave options. Federal leave guarantees up to 12 weeks of job-protected time off, but does not guarantee pay. Therefore… FACT: Faculty who welcome a new child into their family can maintain their regular income only if they have […]

AFT ACTION UPDATE 3: DISABILITY ACCOMMODATIONS

Posted May 30, 2023

  FACT: FACT: The Americans with Disabilities Act requires employers to take prompt action to provide reasonable accommodations to employees.   FAIRNESS: SMCCCD drags its feet in providing faculty with reasonable accommodations, delaying for months or even years before responding to faculty’s requests. FAIRNESS: During contract talks, AFT proposed a NO COST improvement: that the […]

Letter to Board of Trustees & Interim Chancellor re Class size minimums

Posted May 25, 2023

May 25, 2023 Dear Board of Trustees and Chancellor Moreno, Thank you for hearing us out on the topic of class size minimums, Board Policy 6.04, last night. We came out in the middle of finals week because this matter is extremely important to us, faculty and students alike. This week, Monday through Wednesday, AFT […]

Letter/petition opposing increasing class size minimum from Skyline College Kababayan learning community to Interim Chancellor & Board

Posted May 25, 2023

May 24, 2023 To Dr. Melissa Moreno, Interim Chancellor, and the SMCCCD Board of Trustees: Yesterday afternoon, the students in English 104 AK: Applied English Skills in Cultural Production a.k.a “the Pilipino Cultural Night class,” were informed by their professor, Dr. Liza Erpelo, that today on Wednesday, May 24, the Board of Trustees for the […]

May 2023 Advocate: Faculty organize to keep the class size minimum at 10

Posted May 25, 2023

Class size Faculty organize to keep the class size minimum at 10, oppose Moreno’s call for raising minimum back to 20 By Rika Yonemura-Fabian, AFT Skyline chapter chair & organizer This February, the District Participatory Governance Committee (DPGC) unanimously voted to recommend that Board Policy 6.04 be permanently revised to set 10 as the minimum […]

May 2023 (Issue 46, Num. 6)

Posted May 25, 2023

In this issue: AFT presents petition for a fair contract to Board & Chancellor Board & Chancellor were presented with a petition signed by over 1000 faculty, students, staff & community members Faculty organize to keep the class size minimum at 10, oppose Moreno’s call for raising minimum back to 20 When Interim Chancellor Melissa […]

May 2023 Advocate: AFT presents petition for a fair contract to Board & Chancellor

Posted May 25, 2023

AFT members present petition for a fair contract to Board & Chancellor AFT 1493 has been negotiating with the District for a new contract for a year, but the District has not made an acceptable offer. More than 1000 faculty, students, staff, and community members signed a petition to support a fair faculty contract and […]

May 2023 Advocate: Workload points system update

Posted May 24, 2023

Workload Equity Where are things at with the points system? By Marianne Kaletzky, AFT 1493 Executive Director For years, full-time faculty have watched their workload increase to the point of becoming unsustainable. Teaching and other primary duties, like counseling, may well be taking more time given the high-touch, equity-driven practices faculty today are committed to […]

May 2023 Advocate: Sign up to get updates on AFT negotiations

Posted May 24, 2023

Contract Negotiations Sign up to get updates on AFT negotiations AFT members are united in fighting for fair pay, affordable healthcare, and equitable workplaces. Our negotiating team is currently in confidential mediation with District negotiators, so we’ve been unable to share details from the mediation sessions. If we leave confidential mediation, things could move really […]

May 2023 Advocate: End-of-semester update on negotiations

Posted May 23, 2023

Faculty contract negotiations End-of-the-semester update on contract negotiations by Monica Malamud, AFT 1493 President and Negotiations Team member Due to the lack of progress in bargaining through the end of 2022, with the District and the AFT far apart on economic issues, and with most other matters “in the parking lot”, the District’s Chief Negotiator […]

AFT ACTION UPDATE 2: ADJUNCT HEALTHCARE

Posted May 23, 2023

  FACT: Gov. Newsom and the CA legislature have allocated $200 million per year in ongoing funding to pay for healthcare for community college adjunct faculty. FACT: Community college districts that provide adjunct faculty with quality, affordable health coverage can get their costs reimbursed up to 100% by the state. FACT: SMCCCD adjunct faculty currently […]

May 2023 Advocate: Unemployment benefits for adjunct faculty

Posted May 23, 2023

Unemployment benefits for Adjunct Faculty Adjunct faculty: Don’t miss out on unemployment benefits Detailed instructions and Zoom workshops May 25 & 26 by Jessica Silver-Sharp, Skyline and Cañada College Librarian & AFT 1493 Secretary Adjunct faculty have the right to receive unemployment benefits from the state of California during breaks between semesters when they are […]

May 2023 Advocate: Lessons from two-day strike at Yosemite Community College District

Posted May 23, 2023

Contract Negotiations What if we have to go on strike to win a fair contract? Lessons from Yosemite Community College District’s two-day strike by Jessica Silver-Sharp, Skyline and Cañada College Librarian & AFT 1493 Secretary With negotiations dragging on and a contract settlement still out of sight, AFT1493 has had to consider the possibility and […]

May 2023 Advocate: District refuses to agree to a timely disability accommodation process

Posted May 22, 2023

Disability Rights District refuses to agree to a timely disability accommodation process for faculty!  I feel stressed as I work hard to respond to all of my students in a timely manner, but the District often doesn’t respond to ADA requests for months or even years! By Lori Slicton, Anthropology Professor, AFT 1493 Health, Safety […]

San Mateo County Assessment Roll Tracker shows increase in SMCCCD’s annual property tax revenues

Posted May 17, 2023

SMCCCD’s 2023-24 county property tax revenues are up 5.5% as of mid-May As a “Basic Aid” or “Community-Supported” college district, the San Mateo County Community College District (SMCCCD) receives most of its revenues from local property taxes. As property tax revenues in San Mateo County increase, the college district’s share of those revenues increase. The […]

AFT ACTION UPDATE 1: COMPENSATION

Posted May 16, 2023

    FACT: The SMCCCD Board of Trustees claims that they are committed to social justice, including the principle that “all people…are entitled to a fair allocation of community resources.” FACT: SMCCCD faculty are paid, on average, below faculty at other community-supported/”Basic Aid” Districts.                       […]

AFT ACTION UPDATES: FACTS, FAIRNESS, EQUITY

Posted May 16, 2023

Action Updates: Coming Every Tuesday We are sending out an AFT Action Update every Tuesday by email to give faculty more information about our contract proposals and developments in negotiations. We will also post these messages to our Instagram, @aft_1493, and our brand-new Twitter, @aft_1493, so please follow us there. Read your weekly AFT Action […]

Comparing Part-Time Instructor Pay: Bay Area Basic Aid Districts

Posted May 13, 2023

Part-Time Instructor Pay by Course:Bay Area Basic Aid Districts(Based on teaching one 3–unit class) San Mateo (’23-’24) Marin (‘23-’24) Mission/W. Valley (‘23-’24) *San Jose (‘22-’23)     % +/-  SMCCCD   % +/-  SMCCCD     % +/-  SMCCCD Parity % of FT ~74% –82% 95%   82%   73%   Step 1 w/ MA $6553.79 […]

ACTION UPDATE ON AFT CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS

Posted May 9, 2023

Dear colleagues, Well, we’ve got two teaching weeks left and have been negotiating for a complete calendar year, but we still don’t have a contract! We know how busy everyone is, so we’re going to make it easy for you to keep up with the status of our contract over the summer: 1. Stay Informed […]

FACULTY SPEAK OUT TO BOARD ON WHY WE NEED A FAIR CONTRACT NOW!

Posted April 28, 2023

At the April 26 SMCCCD Board of Trustees meeting, AFT members read some of the dozens of comments faculty members wrote explaining how the lack of fair faculty wages and benefits impacts us and our students, and why we need a fair contract now! Watch the comments made at the Board meeting:   Read a […]

SIGN THE PETITION TO CHANCELLOR & BOARD TO APPROVE A FAIR FACULTY CONTRACT

Posted April 10, 2023

Contract campaign Sign the petition to Interim Chancellor Moreno and the Board of Trustees to approve a fair contract for faculty! Our district has failed to create an environment where faculty are adequately supported to guide students through their educational journey. We have been without a contract for almost 9 months now. Please sign AFT […]

March-April 2023 Advocate: Speakers at Board Meeting support a Fair Contract

Posted March 22, 2023

Contract Campaign 15 speakers present strong case to Board of Trustees for Part-time Parity and Part-Time Faculty Healthcare The SMCCCD Board of Trustees heard public comments from 15 different speakers on Wednesday (3/22), all of whom urged the Board to provide the leadership to district negotiators to agree to a fair contract, including affordable healthcare […]

March-April 2023 (Issue 46, Num. 5)

Posted March 22, 2023

In this issue: 15 speakers present strong case to Board for Part-time Parity and Part-Time Faculty Healthcare The Board of Trustees heard public comments from 15 different speakers on Wednesday (3/22), all of whom urged the Board to direct district negotiators to agree to a fair contract, including affordable healthcare for all faculty and equitable […]

March-April 2023 Advocate: AFT 1493’ers attend CFT Convention

Posted March 21, 2023

State federation AFT 1493 members attend California Federation of Teachers Convention in SF AFT 1493 members who attended the CFT Convention included, l. to r., Monica Malamud, David Lau, Teeka James, Katharine Harer, Marianne Kaletzky and Annika Mellies (CFT Project Organizer) A dynamic contingent of AFT 1493 members attended the biennial Convention of the California […]

March-April 2023 Advocate: Petition for a fair contract

Posted March 21, 2023

Contract campaign Sign the petition to Interim Chancellor Moreno and the Board of Trustees to approve a fair contract for faculty! Our district has failed to create an environment where faculty are adequately supported to guide students through their educational journey. We have been without a contract for almost 9 months now. Please sign AFT […]

March-April 2023 Advocate: San Mateo County is most expensive in US

Posted March 20, 2023

Cost of living While our county has the highest property values in the US, our district’s salaries and benefits are behind neighboring districts We all know that we work in one of the most expensive areas in the country and we also know that our district’s revenues are extremely high because, as a “Basic Aid” […]

March-April 2023 Advocate: Gendered division of labor

Posted March 20, 2023

Gender equity Gendered division of labor: Who does the work when it’s time to do the work? By Julia Johnson, Skyline, Professor of Automotive Technology Equity is the operative word on almost every campus these days. Task forces, committees, seminars and workshops have blossomed everywhere, all devoted to studying the problem of equity on our […]

March-April 2023 Advocate: Faculty Focus: Meet Doris Garcia

Posted March 20, 2023

Faculty Focus Meet Doris Garcia, Promise Counselor & Co-Coordinator of the Katipunan Learning Community at CSM Interview conducted by Katharine Harer, AFT 1493 Co-Vice President & Outreach Organizer Doris Garcia When did you get hired FT in SMCCCD? Did you work in our district prior to getting a full-time position?   I initially started in […]

Comparison of Adjunct Classroom Faculty Pay for Bay 10 Districts

Posted March 10, 2023

Bay 10 Districts’ PT Classroom Faculty Pay Based on teaching one 3-unit class San Mateo 2023-24 Marin 2023-24 Mission 2023-24 San Jose 2022-23 Foothill 2022-23 CCSF 2021-22 Chabot 2023-24 Ohlone 2022-23 Peralta 2022-23 Contra Costa 2022-23 Parity % of FT ~74–82% 95% 82% 73% 83.5%  86% 72%  ~54-70% 87.5%  80% Step 1 w/MA 6553.79 (74.4% […]

FACULTY SPEAK OUT IN SUPPORT OF ADJUNCT HEALTHCARE COVERAGE

Posted February 23, 2023

“Why won’t you direct the District’s negotiating team to agree to provide our deserving part-time faculty the same healthcare benefit that you [Trustees] receive?” – Monica Malamud AFT 1493 President Monica Malamud and several other faculty members addressed the Board of Trustees at their Feb. 22 meeting. Monica asked the Trustees to take a more […]

AFT SHIRTS = FACULTY POWER! ✊🏿✊🏾✊🏽✊🏼✊🏻 AFT T-SHIRT WEDNESDAYS

Posted February 14, 2023

Some faculty members have asked: How does wearing an AFT T-shirt on Wednesdays help us win a stronger contract? When we all wear union T-shirts, it helps us feel our collective power and builds our sense of solidarity, showing what we can gain by taking action together! When we all wear union T-shirts, the administration […]

February 2023 Advocate: Wednesdays are AFT T-shirt days!

Posted February 7, 2023

AFT Contract Campaign Remember to wear your AFT T-shirts every Wednesday until we win! Please support your AFT 1493 bargaining team as they work to negotiate a quality faculty contract that we all deserve. Wear your AFT T-shirts every Wednesday until we win!  Text pictures of faculty wearing shirts to Marianne Kaletzky at 650.416.6339.  For […]

February 2023 (Issue 46, Num. 4)

Posted February 7, 2023

In this issue: After district has failed to offer fair proposals on pay, benefits or other issues, negotiations for a new faculty contract continue with a mediator Update on pay, benefit and other proposals, how the District’s current salary offer equals a pay cut and what faculty can do to win a contract we deserve […]

February 2023 Advocate: CFT Leadership Conference

Posted February 5, 2023

Statewide Organizing AFT 1493 reps attend CFT Leadership Conference AFT 1493 members Rika Yonemura-Fabian and Marianne Kaletzky joined over 140 CFT local leaders and activists at the 2023 CFT Leadership Conference on February 3rd and 4th in Burbank, with Yonemura-Fabian speaking on the conference’s introductory plenary panel. Together with representatives from United Teachers of Los […]

February 2023 Advocate: Unemployment assistance available

Posted February 4, 2023

Unemployment Insurance for Part-time Faculty Problems claiming unemployment?  Help for adjunct faculty is available!  by Jessica Silver-Sharp, AFT 1493 Secretary California community college part-time faculty (aka “adjuncts”) are eligible for unemployment benefits in between semesters and during summer. As a result of the 1989 Cervisi decision, part-time faculty are eligible for unemployment benefits between terms […]

February 2023 Advocate: Dual enrollment update

Posted February 4, 2023

Dual Enrollment The District wants Dual Enrollment: Do we? Faculty raise concerns with a Board Member, but he and the District administration still strongly support increasing Dual Enrollment programs at high schools By Tim Maxwell, CSM English Professor In 2007, the year I was hired, several of my new colleagues in CSM’s English department–including Daniel […]

February 2023 Advocate: District can afford healthy pay & benefit increases

Posted February 4, 2023

District Budget District’s strong financial position could easily provide fair faculty and staff pay & benefit increases by Steven Lehigh, AFT 1493 Treasurer, CSM Economics Professor Contract Year Salary Increase Inflation* Real Change Amount below 50% Law 2020-2021 5.67% 5.25% 0.42% $14.1 million (41.6%) 2021-2022 0.52% 8.26% -7.31% $15.7 million (41%) 2022-2023 5% 3.20% -5.71% […]

February 2023 Advocate: Contract negotiations continue with mediator

Posted February 4, 2023

Contract Negotiations After district has failed to offer fair proposals on pay, benefits or other issues, negotiations for a new faculty contract continue with a mediator At the December 22nd negotiations session for a new three-year faculty contract, the District’s chief negotiator noted that AFT and District negotiating teams remained far apart on a number […]

DISTRICT WON’T RESPOND TO AFT HEALTHCARE PROPOSALS👎! AFT T-SHIRT DAY WEDNESDAY!

Posted January 31, 2023

For a District that prides itself on fairness and equity, SMCCCD is doing a terrible job of applying either of these principles to its faculty workers! Consider this: even though we are still in the midst of a global pandemic, the District won’t guarantee quality, affordable healthcare to all employees and our families! As if […]

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Posted January 31, 2023

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LET US KNOW WE CAN COUNT ON YOU TO WIN A STRONG CONTRACT!

Posted January 20, 2023

Together we can win fair compensation and an equitable workplace! The District has offered faculty “raises” that amount to a pay cut given past and projected inflation. And they refuse to move on AFT’s proposals for an equitable workplace. But we can win if we act together for a stronger contract. Please click here to […]

GET READY: WEAR YOUR AFT T-SHIRT EVERY WEDNESDAY TILL WE WIN

Posted January 17, 2023

Remember to wear your AFT T-shirts every Wednesday until we win a fair contract! We know that many faculty struggle with inadequate compensation and unfair working conditions, even to the point of considering leaving our District. Our AFT negotiating team has been negotiating for a new faculty contract since May 2022. Yet the District continues […]

LATEST CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS REPORTS

Posted December 27, 2022

Dec. 15 & 16 Negotiations Sessions Summary: The District presented their first counterproposals on compensation and benefits at negotiations last Thursday and Friday. The District is proposing raises of 5%, 3%, and 3% for all faculty over the 3 years covered by the contract, with an extra half-percent per year for instructional adjuncts. The 2022-2023 […]

December 2022 (Issue 46, Num. 3)

Posted December 15, 2022

In this issue: AFT and CSEA leaders call on Trustees to push District bargaining team to present reasonable salary and benefits proposals At the December 14th SMCCCD Board of Trustees meeting, AFT 1493 President Monica Malamud (above left) and AFT 1493 Co-Vice President and Chief Negotiator Joaquin Rivera (above center) as well as CSEA Chapter […]

December 2022 Advocate: Faculty Focus: Meet Danny Lynch

Posted December 15, 2022

Faculty Focus Meet Danny Lynch, new Promise counselor at Cañada College Interview conducted by Katharine Harer, AFT 1493 Co-Vice President & Outreach Organizer Danny Lynch (front) with his Cuesta College students at the UCSB EOPS Summer Institute Tell us about some of the work you’ve done before coming to our district?  It was quite a circuitous […]

December 2022 Advocate: AFT & CSEA leaders speak out

Posted December 15, 2022

Contract Negotiations AFT and CSEA leaders call on Trustees to push District bargaining team to present reasonable salary and benefits proposals At the December 14th SMCCCD Board of Trustees meeting, AFT 1493 President Monica Malamud and AFT 1493 Co-Vice President and Chief Negotiator Joaquin Rivera spoke, once again, about their frustrations with the lack of […]

December 2022 Advocate: Why we deserve a fair contract

Posted December 15, 2022

Contract Campaign AFT and CSEA members speak out to the Board about why faculty and staff deserve fair contracts To try to help communicate AFT and CSEA members’ experiences and feelings about the current contract negotiations, union members submitted personal comments explaining why they deserve fair contracts. Many of these comments were read at the […]

December 2022 Advocate: AFT and CSEA build solidarity

Posted December 15, 2022

Faculty-Staff unity AFT & CSEA show increasing solidarity through words and actions As both AFT Local 1493 and CSEA Chapter 33 bargaining teams have been trying to negotiate new contracts with our district, our unions’ have worked more closely together in our efforts to gain fair contracts for all SMCCCD faculty and classified staff. Representatives […]

December 2022 Advocate: AFT-CSEA solidarity lunch events

Posted December 15, 2022

AFT-CSEA UNITY Members of AFT and CSEA meet for solidarity lunches at all three campuses to share each others’ workplace issues and plan how to support each other to win fair contracts for all We asked members of both AFT and CSEA who attended solidarity lunches at Cañada College and CSM on Monday, Dec. 5 […]

December 2022 Advocate: Health & Safety Report

Posted December 13, 2022

Updates on Health & Safety Your AFT reps and leaders continue to work for the health and safety of faculty by attending monthly meetings of their campus health and safety committees, and participating significantly in other opportunities to provide related input and advocate for our members. Chancellor’s Ad Hoc Committee In October Chancellor Claire informed […]

December 2022 Advocate: AFT 1493 Statement of Solidarity with CSEA

Posted December 13, 2022

AFT-CSEA Unity AFT 1493 Statement of Solidarity with CSEA to the Board of Trustees Note: At the November 30th, 2022 SMCCCD Board of Trustees meeting, AFT 1493 Cañada College Chapter Chair Michael Hoffman spoke about AFT’s support for and solidarity with district classified staff members, especially during CSEA and AFT’s bargaining for fair contracts. Below […]

December 2022 Advocate: Viewpoint on Dual Enrollment

Posted December 12, 2022

Viewpoint Dual Enrollment: A Bridge to College or a Highway Right Past Us? By Tim Maxwell, CSM, English As reported in the L.A. Times on November 18th, interim California Community Colleges Deputy Chancellor Lizette Navarette told a state Assembly hearing, “What we’ve seen is that higher education as a whole has been disrupted forever…We gave […]

AFT & CSEA MEMBERS SPEAK OUT ABOUT NEGOTIATIONS AT BOARD MEETING

Posted December 2, 2022

At the November 30, 2022 SMCCCD Board of Trustees meeting, AFT 1493 Executive Committee Rep. Michael Hoffman spoke about AFT’s support for and solidarity with district staff members in CSEA’s bargaining for reasonable compensation and benefits. Watch Michael’s comments below: Annette Perot, CSEA Chapter 33 President; Dustin Patenaude, CSEA Labor Relations Representative; and Britney Sneed, […]

WATCH AFT 1493 CHIEF NEGOTIATOR JOAQUIN RIVERA EXPRESS FRUSTRATIONS TO BOARD ABOUT NEGOTIATIONS

Posted November 29, 2022

AFT 1493 Chief Negotiator Joaquin Rivera addressed the SMCCCD Board of Trustees at their November 16, 2022 meeting, expressing his frustration with the District Chief Negotiator’s lack of movement, his seeming unwillingness to seriously consider any of the union’s proposals and his insistence on district take-backs. Watch Joaquin’s comments below: Upcoming bargaining sessions are scheduled […]

FACULTY SPEAK OUT TO TRUSTEES ABOUT DISTRICT’S LACK OF PROGRESS IN CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS

Posted November 9, 2022

Four faculty members made public comments at the Nov. 9 SMCCCD Board of Trustees meeting, raising questions and concerns about the District’s apparent unwillingness to make meaningful progress in faculty contract negotiations. Watch the presentations below:  AFT 1493 VP Katharine Harer reads comments by AFT 1493 President Monica Malamud asking Trustees if they are aware […]

Full-Time Faculty Salary Comparisons: Basic Aid Districts

Posted November 5, 2022

Full-Time Faculty Salary Comparisons: Basic Aid Districts Most recently negotiated salary schedules: San Mateo: 2023-24 San Jose-Evergreen*: 2022-23; West Valley-Mission: 2023-24; Marin: 2023-24; MiraCosta 2023-24; South Orange 2023-24 Masters Degree (Step 1) Salary Rank (Basic Aid Districts) San Mateo 88,051 1 San Jose-Evergreen* 84,220 3 West Valley-Mission 86,397 2 Marin 78,832 6 MiraCosta 80,981  5 […]

October-November 2022 (Issue 46, Num. 2)

Posted October 19, 2022

In this issue: Negotiations at a standstill, with District refusing to move on many proposals District negotiators have responded to AFT with counterproposal after counterproposal that simply reiterate the status quo. Want a fair contract now? RSVP today for our October 26th Board action to demand healthcare for part-timers and paid parental leave. Equitable part-time […]

October-November 2022 Advocate: Vote by November 8

Posted October 18, 2022

Election recommendations Don’t forget to vote in the general midterm elections: Vote by November 8 Two AFT 1493 members running in local elections & SSF “Preschool for All” measure endorsed by our Local Ballots for the midterm elections have already been sent out and now it’s time to make your decisions on races for state-wide […]

October-November 2022 Advocate: Negotiations at a standstill

Posted October 17, 2022

Negotiations Update Negotiations at a standstill, with District refusing to move on many proposals by Marianne Kaletzky, AFT 1493 Executive Secretary Want a fair contract now? RSVP today for our October 26th action to demand healthcare for part-timers and paid parental leave   Very little progress in negotiations since last Spring! AFT negotiators have been […]

October-November 2022 Advocate: Faculty Focus: Sue Broxholm

Posted October 16, 2022

Faculty focus Sue Broxholm, Skyline Math Professor, advocates for the end of the “Two-Tier system” that divides full-time and part-time faculty Interview by Marianne Kaletzky, AFT 1493 Executive Secretary Sue Broxholm has been teaching Math as a part-time instructor at Skyline College for over 20 years. In addition to teaching, Sue has been a long-time […]

October-November 2022 Advocate: AFT launches Discord platform

Posted October 16, 2022

Union-member communications AFT launches Discord platform for member discussion and engagement By Evan Kaiser, CSM ESL Professor and AFT 1493 CSM Executive Committee Co-Rep. During this phase of the Workload Pilot Program, which aims to quantify and limit our workload, questions and concerns have arisen regarding the construction and submission of these plans in a […]

October-November 2022 Advocate: Solidarity parties build support for better faculty contract

Posted October 16, 2022

Contract campaign Lumpia, tiramisu cake & tamales! — Faculty celebrate previous contract wins & unite to fight for more at campus solidarity parties What’s better than spending time with your colleagues — in person, not in zoom squares — while chowing down on delicious goodies?  Solidarity!  That was the not-so-secret ingredient at Skyline’s Solidarity Party […]

October-November 2022 Advocate: Equitable part-time faculty healthcare now!

Posted October 16, 2022

Part-time faculty healthcare Healthcare parity now! Come support quality healthcare plans for part-time faculty on Oct. 26th! Last spring the California Federation of Teachers (CFT) conducted a groundbreaking statewide survey of part-time faculty, the results of which brought to light the many negative consequences of community college districts’ failure to provide adequate healthcare for part-time faculty. […]

October-November 2022 Advocate: Workload Point System

Posted October 16, 2022

Faculty Workload AFT seeks ongoing feedback about the workload point system to help improve it As full-time faculty in our district gain some experience working with the pilot workload point system this semester, AFT 1493 wants to continue to hear about those experiences so we can ultimately work to renegotiate an improved system. We want […]

FACULTY SPEAK OUT ON NEED FOR PT FACULTY HEALTH CARE & PAID PARENTAL LEAVE AT BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING

Posted October 14, 2022

AFT’s negotiators have made virtually no significant progress in contract bargaining due to the District’s flat refusal to show any movement on the following union proposals: Quality, affordable healthcare plans for part-time instructors: AFT has proposed that part-timers with loads of 40% or more get access to medical, dental, and vision benefits equivalent to those offered […]

FALL 2022 MOU AGREEMENT

Posted September 30, 2022

Since the beginning of the pandemic in March 2020, AFT and the District have been negotiating Memoranda of Understanding covering special, Covid-related changes to working conditions. We have been able to negotiate these MOUs according to a process called “effects bargaining,” in which changes to working conditions (like the shift to all-online instruction at the […]

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Posted September 29, 2022

YOUR UNION REPS FOR FALL 2022 FAQ: LOGISTICS OF WORKLOAD POINT SYSTEM LATEST CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS REPORTS CLASS CANCELLATION POLICIES – FALL 2022 AND BEYOND NEW WORKLOAD POINT SYSTEM FAQ

FAQ: LOGISTICS OF WORKLOAD POINT SYSTEM

Posted September 29, 2022

Workload Program FAQ: Logistics of workload point system We recently began our first academic year with the Workload Point System Pilot Program in place for full-timers. The Point System aims to set clear and reasonable expectations for committee work and other non-primary duties. In response to questions faculty put forward while creating their plans, some […]

YOUR UNION REPS FOR FALL 2022

Posted September 28, 2022

Below are your AFT 1493 union reps for Fall 2022. If you have questions about our union, your rights as a faculty member or any issues related to working conditions, start by contacting your campus chapter chair or reach out to AFT 1493 Executive Secretary Marianne Kaletzky. See AFT 1493 Executive Committee members page.

URGE NEWSOM TO RAISE THE ADJUNCT WORKLOAD CAP

Posted September 18, 2022

Governor Newsom has indicated that he may once again veto CFT’s bill to increase the workload cap for part-time faculty. This bill, AB 1856, would formally increase the workload cap available to part-time faculty from 67% up to 85% of a full-time faculty workload in California’s community colleges. We made a big splash this week, […]

September 2022 (Issue 46, Number 1)

Posted September 8, 2022

In this issue: Answering questions about the workload point system As the pilot workload point system for full-time faculty has begun to roll out, AFT addresses some practical questions that have arisen. AFT works with Chancellor and Trustees to reduce class size minimum Communication and collective actions led the Chancellor to allow Fall 2022 courses […]

Sept. 2022 Advocate: Urge Newsom to increase part-time workload cap

Posted September 8, 2022

Adjunct faculty Action alert: urge Newsom to increase the part-time workload cap Part-timers have long spoken of the difficulty of having to commute between multiple community college districts just to make ends meet, since current California law limits the amount a part-timer can work in one district to 67% of a full-time load. AB 1856 […]

Sept. 2022 Advocate: Comparing SMCCCD instructional adjunct pay to neighboring districts

Posted September 8, 2022

District salary comparisons How does SMCCCD instructional adjunct pay compare to neighboring districts? [Jump directly to Comparison Table] Despite significant increases in pay rates for SMCCCD instructional adjunct faculty over the last three-year contract, the actual pay-per-class compensation still lags significantly behind the Marin and Mission/West Valley districts and is also behind the San Jose/Evergreen […]

Sept. 2022 Advocate: Negotiations Update

Posted September 7, 2022

Faculty Contract negotiations Report on September 2nd contract bargaining session by Marianne Kaletzky, AFT 1493 Executive Secretary and Negotiating Team Member Below is a report on the most recent bargaining session between AFT and District negotiators on a new 3-year faculty contract (July 2022 – June 2025) that took place on Friday, September 2.  To […]

Sept. 2022 Advocate: Answering questions about workload point system

Posted September 7, 2022

Workload program Answering questions about the pilot workload point system The recent introduction of a pilot workload point system for full-time faculty in our district has prompted some confusion among faculty members. In this article we want to address some of the practical questions that have arisen as the system has begun to roll out. […]

Sept. 2022 Advocate: AFT works to reduce class size minimum

Posted September 7, 2022

minimum enrollment policy AFT works with Trustees and Chancellor to reduce class size minimum Hoping to avoid the excessive class cancellations that plagued students and faculty during Summer 2021 — and hearing from concerned faculty that this scenario seemed already to be repeating itself — your Contract Action Team (CAT) met frequently during July to […]

Sept. 2022 Advocate: AFT pushes for improved faculty health provisions

Posted September 7, 2022

In evolving Covid landscape, AFT pushes for improved faculty health provisions It’s been a busy year for your union health advocates, and in this article we aim to bring you up to date on organizing and negotiations efforts. On the state level, your local has actively joined the California Federation of Teachers (CFT) in organizing […]

Sept. 2022 Advocate: State provides major funding for adjunct faculty healthcare

Posted September 7, 2022

Adjunct faculty healthcare funding Legislature delivers for part-time faculty healthcare as CFT’s coordinated local organizing campaign kicks off After a summer of continued CFT advocacy, this week the California Legislature passed a budget trailer bill that included critical language – including every component of CFT’s demands – that will make quality, affordable healthcare much more […]

Sept. 2022 Advocate: AFT Flex Day Workshop Report

Posted September 7, 2022

Membership Outreach 100+ faculty members attend AFT Flex Day workshop AFT 1493 leaders hosted a Zoom ‘Know Your Contract” session on District Flex Day, August 15. Faculty members were invited to discuss some key aspects of the current contract which the union is currently trying to strengthen through our contract negotiations. As Co-Vice President Katharine […]

Sept. 2022 Advocate: Faculty, students and staff join the People’s March

Posted September 6, 2022

LGBTQ+ organizing Faculty, students and staff join the People’s March, tracing 52 years of the struggles of the Queer community by Rika Yonemura-Fabian (AFT Skyline Chapter Chair) with Evan Kaiser (AFT CSM Executive Committee Rep.) AFT 1493 members and SMCCCD students and staff joined the People’s March in SF on June 30th Over the years, […]

Sept. 2022 Advocate: AFT members meet with Amazon Union president Chris Smalls

Posted September 6, 2022

Labor Movement Organizing AFT members show solidarity at labor convention meeting featuring Amazon Union president Chris Smalls by Evan Kaiser, AFT 1493 CSM Co-Executive Committee Rep. AFT members with Amazon Labor Union president Chris Smalls (back row, center) at California Labor Federation Biennial Convention on July 25th, 2022 The energy in the conference room of […]

Sept. 2022 Advocate: Legislation Shortchanges Language Learners

Posted September 6, 2022

Legislation on “Remedial” Ed AB 705 and 1705: Legislation for “equity” shortchanges language learners by Leigh Anne Shaw, Professor, ESOL, Skyline College English language learners nationwide have historically faced inequitable access to higher education, but California has always been different. Our 116 colleges have, until now, included robust offerings in English to Speakers of Other […]

Sept. 2022 Advocate: Gender Oppression Task Force organizes to strengthen District’s Title IX processes

Posted September 6, 2022

Anti-Oppression Organizing AFT 1493’s Gender Oppression Task Force organizes to strengthen District’s Title IX policies and procedures by Kolo Wamba, AFT 1493 Skyline College Executive Committee Rep. AOC is AFT Local 1493’s Anti-Oppression Committee. Led by Skyline sociology professor and AFT Chapter Chair Dr. Rika Yonemura-Fabian, AOC was formed in Fall 2020 with the express […]

ENCOURAGE STUDENTS TO APPLY FOR OUR PAID UNION INTERNSHIP

Posted September 1, 2022

AFT 1493 is seeking two SMCCCD student interns who want to learn more about organizing techniques, the structure and functioning of labor unions, and the role of the labor movement in public education. The interns must be current SMCCCD students. They will receive $2000 for work during the 2022-23 academic year, with total hours not […]

DISTRICT REFUSES TO NEGOTIATE FALL MOU; MEMBERS SPEAK ON CLASS CANCELLATIONS

Posted September 1, 2022

In our most recent negotiations session on August 24, AFT negotiators put forward a proposed MOU for Fall 2022. Our MOU proposals include common-sense provisions like the right for faculty to pivot to remote delivery if they are ill but feel well enough to work remotely, rather than having to be absent and hope a […]

ADJUNCT HEALTHCARE VICTORY IMMINENT: JOIN UPCOMING MEETING ON 9/8

Posted August 31, 2022

Since last October, we have been engaged with the California Federation of Teachers in a statewide campaign to win healthcare for all community college faculty. And after months of tireless activism, we are on the cusp of a historic breakthrough! But we need your help to secure and implement this funding for adjunct faculty member […]

SMCCCD Enrollment, Faculty & Revenue Trends Over Last Decade

Posted August 28, 2022

SMCCCD Enrollment, Faculty & Revenue Trends Over Last Decade Over the last decade or so, our district enrollment has declined significantly as have our number of part-time faculty. The number of full-time faculty has increased by about a dozen over the same period. Meanwhile our district’s annual revenues have risen dramatically, from $113.8 million in […]

CLASS CANCELLATION POLICIES – FALL 2022 AND BEYOND

Posted August 4, 2022

On July 27 Chancellor Claire wrote to faculty to share the news that he has directed administrators to allow Fall 2022 sections with enrollment of at least ten students to run—rather than implementing the usual Board Policy that allows deans to cancel classes of less than 20. AFT applauds this decision, which we strongly believe […]

WRITE TO LEGISLATORS: SMCCCD PROGRAMS & SERVICES MUST NOT LOSE FUNDING!

Posted June 17, 2022

Dear faculty colleagues, PLEASE join our Local in supporting necessary amendments to SB 893 (Becker), a bill that would give SMCCCD—and only SMCCCD—additional flexibility with the district’s general fund revenue. The aim of SB 893 is to use general fund revenue to make community college free for San Mateo County residents, a goal our Local […]

MOU ON EFFECTS OF NEW MASKING FRAMEWORK

Posted June 17, 2022

MOU reached on effects of new SMCCCD masking framework AFT and the SMCCCD held negotiations on June 13th and 14th and were able to arrive at a Memorandum of Understanding concerning the effects of SMCCCD’s new indoor masking framework. The MOU will cover Summer 2022 only. It guarantees access to the accommodations process for faculty […]

JUNE 6TH CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS REPORT

Posted June 10, 2022

Report on June 6 Faculty Contract Negotiations Session Summary: On June 6th bargaining teams representing AFT 1493 and the District arrived at a Tentative Agreement on wording modifications to Article 17 (Grievance Procedure). The parties continue to negotiate over a number of issues, including and AFT’s proposal for paid parental leave, AFT’s proposal to insert […]

MAY 26TH CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS REPORT

Posted June 3, 2022

AFT May 26th Contract Negotiations Report After coming to agreement on two articles last session, AFT and District negotiators continued discussing a number of contractual articles during the session on May 26. Issues discussed include AFT’s organizational rights as a union; when AFT will receive information in the event of layoffs; whether a procedure for […]

UPDATE: CHANGES TO DISTRICT MASKING POLICY

Posted May 27, 2022

Changes to SMCCCD Masking Policy This Wednesday evening, the SMCCCD Board of Trustees voted on Chancellor Mike Claire’s policy for a new framework dictating when masks are required indoors at SMCCCD. Under Claire’s original proposal, indoor masking would be required when San Mateo County is in the red CDC community level and optional when the […]

ADVOCATE – May 2022 (Issue 45, Number 6)

Posted May 24, 2022

In this issue: How AB 1705 would reduce course offerings and negatively impact community college students Assembly Bill 1705, a proposed bill currently being considered by the state legislature, has the stated goal of improving transfer rates, but would, in fact, “result in severe negative impacts for students who need these resources the most.” AFT […]

COMPLETE THE AFT SURVEY ON POTENTIAL SMCCCD MASKING REQUIREMENTS

Posted May 20, 2022

Many of you have seen an email from Mike Claire noting that he is recommending a change to District masking requirements. The policy he is recommending would make indoor masking optional when San Mateo County is in the yellow or green CDC Community Level, and required when the County is in the red level. Claire’s […]

May 2022 Advocate: Dangers of AB 1705

Posted May 19, 2022

Basic Skills Courses & College Transfer How AB 1705 would reduce course offerings and negatively impact community college students by Salumeh Eslamieh, AFT 1493 Cañada College Executive Committee Rep. Assembly Bill 1705 (Irwin) is a proposed bill currently being considered by the state legislature.  By implementing three mandates, it aims to accelerate students’ completion of […]

May 2022 Advocate: “Week of Action” review

Posted May 18, 2022

Contract campaign “Week of Action” launched campaign for new faculty contract AFT 1493 kicked off the beginning of contract negotiations for new three-year faculty contract with the district by organizing multiple actions during our “Week of Action” from April 18 through 22. On Monday and Tuesday, April 18 and 19, AFT 1493 members staffed and […]

May 2022 Advocate: Film Studies instructor’s new documentary

Posted May 18, 2022

Recognizing faculty achievements Announcing “Clarissa’s Battle,” a new documentary film directed by SMCCD Film Studies instructor Tamara Perkins Film studies instructor and filmmaker Tamara Perkins has directed and produced another new documentary, Clarissa’s Battle, which follows a local organizer and single mom leading a movement for childcare and early education for all. “Clarissa is a […]

May 2022 Advocate: Teach-In on District budget

Posted May 18, 2022

Understanding our district’s budget AFT 1493 Teach-In exposes truths about District’s inequitable budget decisions By Cat Stoehr, AFT 1493 Student Intern, & Katharine Harer, AFT 1493 Co-Vice President Nearly 70 students and faculty members participated in a teach-in organized by AFT 1493: From Austerity to Prosperity: The Politics of Funding Education in SMCCD – Students, […]

May 2022 Advocate: Negotiations Report

Posted May 18, 2022

Negotiations Report AFT and District negotiating teams hold first bargaining session for 2022-25 faculty contract by Marianne Kaletzky, AFT 1493 Executive Secretary On May 4, AFT and the District held our first negotiation session towards a faculty contract that will cover July 2022 through June 2025. AFT negotiators attending were Joaquín Rivera (Chief Negotiator), Monica […]

May 2022 Advocate: AFT 1493ers at May Day Parade

Posted May 18, 2022

AFT 1493 members march in SF May Day – International Workers’ Day parade On Sunday, May 1, AFT 1493 members—from left to right, Rika Yonemura-Fabian (Skyline), Elinor Westfold (CSM), Kolo Wamba (Skyline), Eric Brenner (Skyline), Katharine Harer (Skyline) and Evan Kaiser (CSM) — marched with thousands of union workers from around the Bay Area in […]

May 2022 Advocate: Why we are piloting the workload point system

Posted May 18, 2022

Workload program What’s up with this workload point system? by Michael Hoffman, AFT 1493 Cañada Co Chapter-Chair (with input from the AFT 1493 Executive Committee) [Related: Read Workload point System FAQs] This note is addressed specifically to my full-time colleagues across the district because the program we will discuss here does not apply to part-time […]

May 2022 Advocate: Workload Pilot Project FAQs

Posted May 18, 2022

Workload program Workload Pilot Project FAQs [Related: Read “Why we are piloting the workload point system”] WHAT is the workload pilot project & why do we have it? Full-time workload has increased unsustainably over the last decade, with no accounting for the time spent on hiring, evaluations, committee work, etc., leading to faculty burnout and […]

May 2022 Advocate: Health & Safety Report

Posted May 18, 2022

Health & Safety Update As Covid cases increase, Chancellor to propose lifting District mask mandate After a busy year of advocacy on behalf of students and employees, your campus Health and Safety Committees are wrapping up their final meetings of the semester this month. In Spring, both Skyline and Cañada College committees voted unanimously to […]

May 2022 Advocate: CFT Voter Guide

Posted May 18, 2022

Election Recommendations CFT’s Voter Guide provides recommendations for June primary Ballots have been sent out to voters across California for the June 7, 2022 primary election, and the California Federation of Teachers (CFT) encourages faculty to support candidates and measures that support our schools and California’s working families. Before you vote, please take a moment […]

May 2022 Advocate: CFT organizing for “Equity for Contingent Faculty”

Posted May 18, 2022

Adjunct faculty rights AFT 1493 reps attend CFT’s conference and lobby day supporting “Equity for Contingent Faculty” by Jessica Silver-Sharp, AFT 1493 Secretary During the 1st and 2nd of May, AFT1493 members hit the road to Sacramento to represent our local at the first-ever CFT conference and lobby day on the topic “Equity for Contingent […]

May 2022 Advocate: AFT Summer Book Club

Posted May 18, 2022

Union Book Club Join AFT 1493’s Summer Book Club Unions are on the rise! But do you know the backstory? This summer faculty, staff and students are invited to join a virtual Book Club reading Fred Glass’s award-winning labor history, From Mission to Microchip: A History of the California Labor Movement, University of California Press […]

May 2022 Advocate: Annual AFT Scholarship awarded

Posted May 18, 2022

AFT Scholarships AFT 1493 annual scholarship awarded to Skyline student Win Shwe Yee by Marianne Kaletzky, AFT 1493 Executive Secretary AFT 1493 was thrilled to award our annual AFT scholarship to Skyline student Win Shwe Yee at the May 5, 2022 Skyline Scholarship Awards Ceremony. Win Shwe is an economics major who hopes to transfer […]

May 2022 Advocate: Comparing SMCCCD adjunct instructional pay to neighboring districts

Posted May 18, 2022

District salary comparisons How does SMCCCD adjunct instructional pay compare to neighboring districts? [Note: This article has been updated to reflect SMCCCD’s new 2022-23 mirrored instructional adjunct salary schedule] Despite significant increases in pay rates for SMCCCD adjunct instructional faculty over the last three-year contract, the actual pay-per-class compensation still lags behind the Marin and […]

May 2022 Advocate: Adjunct faculty reminders

Posted May 15, 2022

PART-TIME FACULTY Reminders to adjunct faculty: – Apply for unemployment benefits after end of the semester – Submit medical reimbursement forms by June 15 Unemployment compensation benefits All part-time faculty should remember that you are eligible for unemployment compensation benefits over the summer and during the winter break, unless you are working another job over […]

JOIN OUR VIRTUAL TEACH-IN ON THE POLITICS OF FUNDING EDUCATION: MAY 12TH, 3-4PM

Posted May 9, 2022

Join us at AFT 1493’s Virtual Teach-In on May 12th, from 3-4 p.m. to create and organize for a budget that truly prioritizes equity From Austerity to Prosperity: The Politics of Funding Education Students, Staff, Faculty, and Community Unite to Re-imagine Educational Equity Register for the Teach-In here: bit.ly/AFTTeach-In2022 Click on flyers to download pdf […]

DATA FROM AFT 1493 SURVEY ON POTENTIAL MASKING POLICIES IN SMCCCD, MAY 2022

Posted May 1, 2022

Data from AFT survey on potential masking policies in SMCCCD, May 2022 Between May 20 and May 24, 168 faculty responded to AFT’s survey on potential masking policies in SMCCCD. These 168 faculty represent just over 18% of faculty currently working in our district. Of these faculty, 46% said they were comfortable with the policy […]

JOIN OUR “WEEK OF ACTION” APRIL 18-21

Posted April 15, 2022

Join your union faculty colleagues for AFT 1493’s “Week of Action”: April 18-21 As we kick off the campaign for our next faculty contract, AFT 1493 will be holding a Week of Action April 18-21 to share information about our contract demands and build momentum to win them. We hope you will join us! Please […]

CONTRACT CAMPAIGN UPDATE: INITIAL PROPOSALS FOR NEW FACULTY CONTRACT

Posted April 4, 2022

On March 23, the Board of Trustees held a public hearing on AFT’s initial proposals, and the district’s proposals, for the next faculty contract, which will cover July 2022-June 2025.  The process called “sunshining,” is legally required for collective bargaining with public employees and after the sunshining process is complete, negotiations for the new contract […]

March-April 2022 Advocate: What does it mean to be an anti-racist union?

Posted March 22, 2022

Anti-Racist Unionism What does it mean to be an anti-racist union? Reviewing the history of racism and anti-racism in organized labor by David Lau, AFT 1493 CSM Chapter Chair At the February AFT 1493 membership meeting, local members held a discussion about the history of organized labor and race in the United States and what […]

March-April 2022 (Issue 45, Number 5)

Posted March 22, 2022

In this issue: Negotiations update: As initial proposals for new faculty contract are “sunshined,” AFT asks members to complete “Count On Me” cards On Feb. 23, the Board of Trustees officially received AFT’s initial proposals for the next contract, which will cover July 2022-June 2025. These proposals include… Our Contract Action Team (CAT) is growing!  […]

March-April 2022 Advocate: CFT passes resolution to end two-tier wage system

Posted March 21, 2022

Adjunct faculty equity CFT passes resolution to develop a strategy to end the two-tier system in California community colleges At the California Federation of Teachers (CFT) State Council meeting in San Francisco on Saturday, March 19, the body unanimously passed a resolution to “Develop a Strategic Plan to End the Two-Tier System” in California Community […]

March-April 2022 Advocate: Results of faculty mask requirement survey

Posted March 21, 2022

AFT 1493 Faculty Survey on District Mask Requirement Survey finds 50% of faculty comfortable with continuing mask requirement, 50% comfortable with ending it Although masking requirements put in place by the California Department of Public Health and Cal/OSHA have changed, SMCCCD currently continues to require all individuals on campuses to wear masks indoors.  If this […]

March-April 2022 Advocate: New contract campaign launched

Posted March 20, 2022

Contract Campaign Our Contract Action Team (CAT) is growing!  Faculty point people help activate members to win the contract we deserve! By Katharine Harer & Rika Fabian, CAT Co-Chairs Bargaining for a new multi-year contract is about to begin. (Click here to read the article describing our contract proposals.) Our Contract Action Team (CAT) has […]

March-April 2022 Advocate: Negotiations Update

Posted March 20, 2022

Negotiations update As initial proposals for a new faculty contract are “sunshined,” AFT asks members to complete “Count On Me” cards by Marianne Kaletzky, AFT 1493 Executive Secretary and Negotiations Team Member Although we have not yet sat down for our first negotiating session, the process of bargaining our next faculty contract is now underway. […]

March-April 2022 Advocate: Statewide campaign to address class size

Posted March 19, 2022

Class size CFT and Academic Senates collaborate on statewide campaign to enable discipline faculty to determine appropriate class size By Katharine Harer, AFT 1493 Co-Vice President & Rika Fabian, Skyline Chapter Co-Chair Faculty know from experience that large classes can have a negative impact on student learning. It’s been shown time and time again that […]

March-April 2022 Advocate: CFT Part-Time Healthcare Survey

Posted March 19, 2022

Adjunct faculty health benefits Adjunct faculty: Please take the CFT Part-Time Healthcare Survey to help improve health coverage for community college adjunct faculty around the state by Marianne Kaletzky, AFT 1493 Executive Secretary Like so many gig economy jobs, adjunct faculty positions rarely provide adequate benefits—including adequate healthcare. A recent survey of adjunct faculty in […]

March-April 2022 Advocate: Petition for gender justice in our district

Posted March 19, 2022

Social Justice on Campus AFT 1493’s Anti-Oppression Committee launches a petition for gender justice at our colleges by Rika Yonemura Fabian, AOC Lead/Skyline Chapter Co-Chair, and Julia Johnson, Automotive Technology Professor, Skyline College AFT 1493’s Anti-Oppression Committee (AOC) is a subcommittee of our union that was developed to specifically focus on investigating and challenging gender-oppression […]

March-April 2022 Advocate: Faculty Focus: LaShonda Kennedy

Posted March 19, 2022

Faculty Focus LaShonda Kennedy, equity champion and community advocate Interview by Evan Kaiser, AFT 1493 CSM Executive Committee Rep. LaShonda Kennedy is an adjunct Work Experience Instructor and Spark Point Basic Needs Coordinator at CSM. I talked with LaShonda about community service, her various roles in Workplace Education at CSM, and adjunct faculty rights. Our […]

March-April 2022 Advocate: Campaign for free universal pre-K in SSF

Posted March 19, 2022

Social Justice in the Community Campaign for free universal preschool in South San Francisco gathering signatures for November ballot by Doniella Maher, AFT 1493 Cañada Chapter Co-Chair After a successful launch in early January, the signature gathering campaign to get a measure on the ballot to provide universal FREE preschool in South San Francisco has […]

March-April 2022 Advocate: James Coleman running for State Assembly

Posted March 15, 2022

Social Justice in the Community South City Councilmember James Coleman running corporate-free progressive campaign for local State Assembly seat by Marianne Kaletzky, AFT 1493 Executive Secretary James Coleman (in photo at left) made history in 2020 when he was elected the youngest-ever South San Francisco City Councilmember at the age of 21, as well as […]

HELP FIGHT LAYOFFS AT CCSF

Posted March 10, 2022

Dear faculty colleagues, We are writing to encourage you to stand in solidarity with our colleagues at City College of San Francisco, who are fighting to protect their jobs and maintain a vital institution of higher education in the Bay Area. Without a budget mandate, CCSF Board of Trustees voted to approve a plan to […]

ANONYMOUS AFT SURVEY ON MASKING REQUIREMENTS

Posted March 2, 2022

Dear faculty colleagues, As you may be aware, masking requirements put in place by the California Department of Public Health and Cal/OSHA have changed. Currently, SMCCCD continues to require all individuals on campuses to wear masks indoors. However, if this requirement were rescinded, the new CDPH and Cal/OSHA guidance would allow both employees and students, regardless of vaccination […]

February 2022 (Issue 45, Number 4)

Posted February 9, 2022

In this issue: AFT’s Campaign for Safe Campuses: A review While our district was not prepared with promised Covid testing for all, nor with adequate supplies of N95/KN95 masks for all students, district administrators nevertheless did not allow faculty or staff the option to temporarily move to remote work. AFT continues organizing for safer campuses […]

February 2022 Advocate: Building AFT’s Contract Action Team network

Posted February 9, 2022

Organizing faculty power Don’t mourn – organize! Building our Contract Action Team network, department by department By Katharine Harer, AFT 1493 Co-V.P. & CAT Co-chair, with Rika Yonemura-Fabian, AFT 1493 Skyline College Chapter Co-Chair Our union just launched a new member-to-member Contract Action Team (CAT) outreach drive, with the goal of strengthening our ability to engage […]

February 2022 Advocate: Campaign for Safe Campuses

Posted February 8, 2022

Health and safety AFT’s Campaign for Safe Campuses: A review Just as our campuses were slated for a broad in-person reopening this Spring, the Omicron variant of Covid created an unprecedented surge in Covid-19 cases and most local colleges either moved face-to-face classes to remote learning for a few weeks or gave faculty the flexibility […]

February 2022 Advocate: District KN95 masks require assembly

Posted February 8, 2022

Health & safety District-provided KN95 masks require students to assemble before wearing Latest conundrum around the colleges: Why is the district providing students with KN95 masks that they have to put together before they can wear them???  

February 2022 Advocate: Adjuncts’ assignment rights

Posted February 8, 2022

Know Your Contract Part-time faculty have rights to stability in assignments by Marianne Kaletzky, AFT 1493 Executive Secretary One of the most difficult aspects of being an adjunct at most institutions is not knowing whether you’ll have an assignment in the coming semester. Thankfully, our AFT contract offers a number of appointment stability protections to […]

February 2022 Advocate: Black History Month resources

Posted February 8, 2022

Anti-racist education Black History Month resources available from CFT In observation of Black History Month, our statewide union, the California Federation of Teachers (CFT), has organized a collection of resources for educators, labor unionists, families and communities that highlight the work of Black educators and labor organizers and reflect on how we can advance the […]

February 2022 Advocate: AFT continues organizing for safer campuses

Posted February 8, 2022

Health & safety AFT campus safety committee reps continue organizing for safer campuses By Jessica Silver-Sharp, AFT 1493 Secretary and Skyline College Health, Safety & Emergency Preparedness Committee (HSEPC) Rep. Our colleges held their first health and safety committee meetings of the semester by Zoom during January and February with many faculty members in attendance. […]

February 2022 Advocate: CalSTRS divestment from fossil fuels

Posted February 8, 2022

Should CalSTRS should divest from fossil fuels? Attend a free online forum today from 4-6pm Advocates of fossil fuel divestment are organizing for the first time to get the California State Teachers’ Retirement System (CalSTRS) to divest from fossil fuels. Sacramento State University’s College of Continuing Education Consensus and Collaboration Program will be hosting a […]

February 2022 Advocate: Opinion: ‘Students first’ = Clear health & safety policies

Posted February 6, 2022

Viewpoint ‘Students first’ should mean strong, clear health & safety policies and transparency from administration by Rosemary Bell, History Professor, Skyline College Skyline College has been my ‘home’ since 1990.  I knew I had hit the motherlode; I had found my dream job.  I still got butterflies walking across the campus after all those years, […]

February 2022 Advocate: Governor pledges part-time faculty healthcare funding

Posted February 6, 2022

Adjunct Faculty Member action leads governor to pledge $200 million toward part-time faculty healthcare CFT campaign brings early success in state budget AFT 1493 is partnering with community college faculty union members across the state in the California Federation of Teachers’ campaign to win affordable, quality healthcare for part-time faculty. And our member action has […]

WATCH AFT 1493 PRESS CONFERENCE: WHAT FACULTY & STUDENTS NEED FOR A SAFE RETURN

Posted January 20, 2022

View below as SMCCCD students and faculty held a press conference on Thursday, Jan. 20 at Skyline College to discuss how Covid unsafe campuses are disrupting their learning and what they need for a safe return. Speakers start at: 4:30 Faculty and staff: Please click here to send a letter asking for safe SMCCCD campuses […]

HVAC INFORMATION FOR EACH ROOM IN ALL BUILDINGS ON EACH CAMPUS

Posted January 19, 2022

Click here to find HVAC filtration/ventilation information for each room within each building on each campus Instructions: Scroll all the way down on the left side of the screen until you see the chart. The chart begins with DO (District Office), and then each campus appears next. AFT had been requesting this information for months and […]

UPDATE ON AFT HEALTH & SAFETY DEMANDS & CHANCELLOR’S RESPONSE

Posted January 18, 2022

In light of the district’s decision last week to move ahead with face-to-face work, we know that many faculty are uncertain about their and their students’ health and safety as classes begin tomorrow.  YOUR RIGHTS IF YOU DEVELOP COVID SYMPTOMS OR TEST POSITIVE: AFT wants to first remind all faculty that our MOU for Spring […]

JOIN OUR MEETING ON NEXT STEPS TO SAFE CAMPUSES, TUESDAY, JAN. 18, 4:30-5:30 PM

Posted January 17, 2022

Dear faculty colleagues, Please join AFT for a virtual meeting on next steps to safe SMCCCD campuses, on Tuesday, January 18, from 4:30 to 5:30 pm where we’ll plan our next steps for ensuring everyone on our campuses stays safe during this omicron surge. We’ll meet on Zoom at: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81616622346

AFT DEMANDS FOR A SAFE RETURN TO WORK AND NEXT STEPS

Posted January 14, 2022

Dear Esteemed Colleagues, It  was wonderful to virtually see so many of you this week.  However, the palpable anxiety brought on by this unending pandemic has hung like a dark cloud over our Flex Day activities.  Foremost on many people’s minds was Tuesday’s decision by our Board of Trustees to “stay the course” and move […]

AGREEMENT ON FINAL SPRING 2022 MOU

Posted January 3, 2022

Report on Negotiations on MOU regarding Spring 2022 Covid-19 Working Conditions AFT and SMCCCD continued negotiations towards a Memorandum of Understanding for Spring 2022 with a meeting on Tuesday, December 14, 2021. The parties then finished negotiations by email, arriving at an MOU just before the holiday. Click on the following link to view the […]

FACULTY SPEAK AT TRUSTEES MEETING ABOUT INADEQUATE PREPARATION FOR SAFE RETURN, STEPS NEEDED TO LIMIT ENROLLMENT DECLINES AND LACK OF FACULTY REPS. ON DISTRICT SAFETY COMMITTEE

Posted December 20, 2021

At the December 15 SMCCCD Board of Trustees meeting, AFT 1493 President Monica Malamud spoke to the Board about ways to increase enrollment for Spring 2022 and the need for real faculty representation in District health and safety decision-making [click here to view Monica’s statement] and Skyline College counselor Suzanne Poma explained how our district […]

URGE GOVERNOR NEWSOM TO FUND HEALTHCARE FOR PART-TIME COMMUNITY COLLEGE FACULTY

Posted December 9, 2021

Dear faculty colleagues, For too long, too many part-time faculty in California’s community college system have gone without healthcare benefits. But in the upcoming legislative session, we have an opportunity to address this — beginning now. Please take a moment to sign this CFT letter to Governor Gavin Newsom, urging him to include funding for […]

December 2021 (Issue 45, Number 3)

Posted December 1, 2021

In this issue: AFT continues to work for a safe Spring return As the Spring term quickly approaches, your AFT representatives have stepped up their advocacy work for a safe return to campus for all. Your participation remains as important as ever! What’s it like to work in-person this Fall: Faculty members share their perspectives […]

December 2021 Advocate: Adjunct faculty reminders

Posted November 29, 2021

PART-TIME FACULTY Reminders to adjunct faculty members: Apply for unemployment benefits between semesters & Submit medical reimbursement forms by Dec. 31 Unemployment compensation benefits All part-time faculty should remember that you are eligible for unemployment compensation benefits during the winter break and over the summer, unless you are working another job between semesters or over […]

December 2021 Advocate: Ballot measure for Free Early Care and Education for All coming to South City

Posted November 29, 2021

Social justice in our communities South San Francisco coalition prepares for Free Early Care and Education for All ballot measure by Doniella Maher, AFT 1493 Cañada College Chapter Co-Chair A coalition of teachers, in-home childcare providers, parents, and community activists in South San Francisco have been preparing a ballot measure for the November 2022 election. […]

December 2021 Advocate: Join a conversation with Trustee John Pimentel

Posted November 29, 2021

Board of Trustees Join a conversation between faculty and Trustee John Pimentel on December 9 You are invited to: A Conversation with SMCCCD Trustee, John Pimentel, hosted by AFT 1493 Dear Colleagues, A little over a year ago in November 2020, two new trustees, John Pimentel and Lisa Petrides, were elected to serve on our […]

December 2021 Advocate: Working in-person this semester

Posted November 29, 2021

Working during a pandemic What’s it like to work in-person this Fall? Faculty members share their perspectives on returning to F2F teaching and counseling this semester by Katharine Harer, AFT 1493 Co-Vice President As most faculty look ahead to a full return to in-person instruction in January, The Advocate wanted to learn more about the […]

December 2021 Advocate: AFT works for a safe Spring return

Posted November 29, 2021

Faculty Health & Safety AFT continues to work for a safe Spring return AFT representatives (left to right) David Lau, Lori Slicton, Michael Hoffman and Jenna French spoke about faculty safety needs at the November 10 Board of Trustees meeting. As the Spring term quickly approaches, your AFT representatives have stepped up their advocacy work […]

December 2021 Advocate: Impact of enrollment declines on adjuncts

Posted November 28, 2021

Adjunct Faculty How enrollment declines have impacted part-time faculty in our district by Eric Brenner, Advocate Editor Reflecting the trend of community colleges throughout the state (see references below), SMCCCD enrollment has experienced major declines since the rise of the Covid-19 pandemic, which accelerated enrollment reductions that had been trending downward for a number of […]

December 2021 Advocate: Report on Spring ’22 MOU Negotiations

Posted November 28, 2021

Report on negotiations on MOU regarding Spring 2022 working conditions Monday, November 15 On November 15, AFT and the District began negotiations for a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) governing working conditions in Spring 2022, when the District has planned a full return to on-campus instruction and student services. In addition to being our first negotiating […]

AFT 1493’s Recommendations to Skyline’s Health, Safety & Emergency Procedures Committee

Posted November 28, 2021

AFT 1493’s Recommendations to Skyline’s HSEPC Dec 2, 2021 We propose that the following recommendations for enhanced health and safety practices and strategies be brought to the District Safety Committee for consideration: Per Board Policy 2.90, Chancellor provides an administrative procedures document, similar to that of Foothill College or College of Marin, that includes: a […]

AFT HEALTH & SAFETY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR RETURNING TO IN-PERSON WORK

Posted November 15, 2021

AFT’s Recommendations for Skyline College’s Health, Safety & Emergency Preparedness Committee to be taken to District Safety Comittee Below are recommendations we hope to vote on today, November 15, at Skyline College’s Health, Safety and Emergency Preparedness Committee in order to bring them to the District Safety Committee according to our responsibilities outlined in our […]

PLEASE SHARE SAFETY CONCERNS & ANY EXPERIENCE REQUESTING ACCOMMODATIONS

Posted November 5, 2021

Dear faculty colleagues, 1. Please tell us your experience requesting accommodations for Spring 2022 The Covid pandemic and the District’s plans for a full return to on-campus instruction and student services in Spring 2022 have led a number of faculty to request accommodations, either due to a medical condition of their own or due to […]

October 2021 (Issue 45, Number 2)

Posted October 17, 2021

In this issue: Health and safety concerns remain central as some faculty return to in-person work in Fall and most others prepare to return to campus in Jan. Faculty members raise concerns about returning to in-person work at campus health & safety committees, but don’t receive adequate answers to many questions As Skyline and Cañada […]

October 2021 Advocate: AFT calls for reopening of negotiations on 2021-22 raise

Posted October 17, 2021

Faculty salaries AFT 1493 calls for re-opening of negotiations on 2021-22 raise for district faculty In light of the very minimal 2021-22 raise that district faculty are currently receiving, AFT 1493 has called on the Board and the District to re-open negotiations on this year’s salary increase. While the salary formula in the current contract […]

October 2021 Advocate: Faculty Focus: Sarah Harmon

Posted October 17, 2021

Faculty Focus Meet Sarah Harmon, Cañada Spanish professor, OER supporter and long-time advocate for the rights of adjunct faculty Interview by Marianne Kaletzky, AFT 1493 Executive Secretary Sarah Harmon has taught Spanish in the district–mostly at Cañada College–since 2005.  As one of our many long-time adjunct professors, we wanted to give her a chance to […]

October 2021 Advocate: Reflections on vision impairment, teaching & accessibility

Posted October 17, 2021

Disability Awareness Personal reflections on vision impairment, teaching & accessibility in SMCCCD “I don’t think I felt, really, shame about my disability. What I felt more was exclusion.” – Judith Heumann from “Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution”  (more on “Crip Camp” video below)   by Lori Slicton, AFT 1493 ADA subcommittee member & AFT 1493 […]

October 2021 Advocate: Faculty evaluations of administrators

Posted October 17, 2021

Evaluation of administrators AFT presents results of faculty evaluations of administrators and continues to call for true “360 evaluations” of administrators by Marianne Kaletzky, AFT 1493 Executive Secretary This past spring, AFT 1493 launched an online survey to allow all faculty to evaluate the administrators they work with. As many faculty know too well, the […]

October 2021 Advocate: Health and safety concerns

Posted October 17, 2021

Safe return to work Health and safety concerns remain central as some faculty return to in-person work in Fall and most others prepare to return to campus in January Recently our three campus health and safety committees held their latest round of monthly meetings. Many employees turned out to voice concerns aloud or in the […]

October 2021 Advocate: Counselors Fight for Safe Return

Posted October 16, 2021

Counseling Issues As Skyline and Cañada counselors were asked to return to in-person work this fall, they called out unsafe conditions and inconsistent policies — and gained important improvements by Katharine Harer & Rika Fabian, AFT 1493 Contract Action Team Chairs Counseling faculty from Skyline and Cañada Colleges came to our AFT Contract Action Team […]

SMCCCD COVID-19 EXPOSURES REPORT AVAILABLE

Posted October 8, 2021

SMCCCD reports COVID-related cases in the District on their “Covid-19 Exposures Report“ in the following two categories: Confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in individuals who were on SMCCCD property Cases where an individual was on campus within the last work week and was required to isolate or quarantine due to possible COVID-19 exposure View the […]

OVER 300 SIGN PETITION TO SUPPORT SMCCCD COUNSELORS!

Posted September 11, 2021

Dear faculty colleagues, Thank you to the over 300 faculty members (317 as of 9/11) who signed the petition supporting our counseling faculty. The petition, which was submitted to the Board of Trustees at the September 9th Board meeting,  calls on the District to provide clear information about the rationale for return-to-campus requirements, involve counselors […]

9/8/21 Membership Meeting Draft Agenda

Posted September 6, 2021

Wednesday, September 8, 2021, 2:30-5 p.m. Zoom Conference Call: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7052173089  AGENDA ITEM  PRESENTER  TIME Welcome and introductions In breakout rooms: -What do you do in the District? What brings you to this meeting?   10’ (2:30-2:40) Statements by members (non-Executive Committee members) on non-agenda items   2’ per person (~2:40-2:50) Discussion: 2021-22 faculty salary schedules […]

September 2021 (Issue 45, Number 1)

Posted September 5, 2021

In this issue: Early cancellations of classes & conversions of online classes to face-to-face resulted in loss of enrollments & hardships for faculty & students — How AFT fought back Between June 1st and July 27th, SMCCCD canceled 141 Fall 2021 course sections; AFT calls for adding classes and a more transparent and equitable process […]

September 2021 Advocate: AFT fights class cancellations

Posted September 5, 2021

Enrollment Management Early cancellations of classes & conversions of online classes to face-to-face resulted in loss of enrollments & hardships for faculty & students — How AFT fought back by Marianne Kaletkzy, AFT 1493 Executive Secretary Between June 1st and July 27th of this year, SMCCCD canceled 141 Fall 2021 course sections: 64 at Skyline, […]

September 2021 Advocate: Faculty Focus: Meet Mandy Lucas

Posted September 5, 2021

Faculty Focus Meet Mandy Lucas, Promise Scholars Counselor at Skyline College Interview by Katharine Harer, AFT 1493 Co-Vice President & Outreach Organizer Mandy Lucas has worked as a Promise Scholars Program Counselor at Skyline College for three years. We decided to interview her and share her profile with our readers to draw attention to our […]

September 2021 Advocate: Organizing against gender oppression in our colleges

Posted September 5, 2021

Organizing for equity New AFT 1493 group working to challenge gender oppression in our colleges by Rika Yonemura-Fabian, AFT 1493 Skyline College Chapter Co-Chair A new subgroup of AFT 1493’s Anti-Oppression Committee has been organized since last spring to specifically focus on challenging gender oppression among faculty, staff and students in our college workplaces. We […]

September 2021 Advocate: AFT & Senate working on class cap policies

Posted September 5, 2021

Class Size Academic Senate and AFT work to give faculty more input on setting class caps by Evan Kaiser, AFT 1493 CSM Executive Committee Co-Rep. On August 16, members of the District Academic Senate (DAS) and AFT held a Flex Day workshop titled “Workload, Pedagogy and Class Caps” to discuss how class caps affect faculty workload […]

September 2021 Advocate: AFT 1493 2021 Scholarships

Posted September 5, 2021

AFT 1493 Scholarships 2021 AFT 1493 Scholarships awarded to Nigel Hawkins and Hannah Hersey AFT is pleased to announce that this year’s AFT 1493 Scholarships have been awarded to two outstanding students, both 2021 graduates: Nigel Hawkins (he/him), who graduated magna cum laude from Cañada with degrees in Interdisciplinary Studies with Emphasis in Social and […]

September 2021 Advocate: In Memoriam: Bob Curtis

Posted September 5, 2021

In Memoriam: Robert Marion Curtis (Dec. 30, 1939 – Dec. 1, 2020) Remembering long-time Cañada College theater instructor and director Bob Curtis Bob Curtis was born in Quitaque, Texas. The Curtis family, including his sister, Linda, moved to Bakersfield when Bob was about six years old. He graduated from high school in Bakersfield in 1958 […]

September 2021 Advocate: 43 new full-time faculty this year

Posted September 5, 2021

New Full-time Faculty District to hire 43 new full-time faculty in 2021-22 The 2021 California Budget Act includes $100 million to hire additional new full-time community college faculty in order to increase districts’ percentage of full-time faculty toward meeting the 75 percent full-time faculty goal. SMCCCD’s share of those funds is at least $1.5 million. […]

September 2021 Advocate: Letter to the Advocate

Posted September 5, 2021

Letter to the Advocate We are still in a pandemic; District needs to take our public health more seriously Dear Colleagues, The images below are enrollment data for Skyline College that were presented by Ingrid Vargas, Dean of Planning, Research, Innovation and Effectiveness (PRIE) during the Skyline Townhall meeting with President Moreno on August 10. […]

September 2021 Advocate: What Is CAT?

Posted September 4, 2021

What Is CAT?  Check out our union’s Contract Action Team! by Eric Brenner, Advocate Editor, Katharine Harer, AFT 1493 Co-Vice President, with other members of AFT 1493’s Contract Action Team In the summer of 2019, as contract negotiations between our union and the district floundered, AFT formed a Contract Action Team (CAT) to encourage faculty […]

September 2021 Advocate: Health & Safety Committees

Posted September 4, 2021

Covid-19 College Health & Safety Committees play central role in plans for return to safe in-person work During the spring and summer, AFT appointed representatives to each of our campus health and safety committees, prompted by the news that the District’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) – where faculty were not represented – would be disbanded. […]

FREE MENTAL HEALTH BENEFITS FOR AFT MEMBERS / TAKE ACTION TO EXTEND PAID SICK LEAVE

Posted September 3, 2021

Dear faculty colleagues, Physical and mental health have been top of mind for most of us since the pandemic began—and all of us know too well that our communities are still confronting significant health struggles. We are writing to share a free mental health benefit available to all working AFT members, and to ask your […]

AFT CALLS FOR ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT DECISIONS BASED ON STUDENT NEEDS

Posted August 26, 2021

AFT 1493 President Monica Malamud addressed the August 25th SMCCCD Board of Trustees meeting on class cancellations and enrollment management, calling for: more consistency across the district, improved transparency in procedures, better communication, decision-making informed by real student needs and data shared with all faculty. Regarding the gradual return to our campuses, Malamud called for: […]

TWO WAYS TO ENSURE YOU ARE SAFE AT WORK

Posted August 20, 2021

Two ways you can make sure your work is safe for yourself, your colleagues, and your family As faculty are planning to return to in-person work, information below describes two ways you can make sure your work is safe for yourself, your colleagues, and your family: Information on the expanded accommodations process we negotiated in […]

Covid-19, the ADA and AFT Support

Posted August 18, 2021

Disability Issues and Accommodations Below is an overview of the process for obtaining a reasonable accommodation for faculty who have a disability covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Many health conditions qualify as disabilities for which an employer must provide reasonable accommodations. However, we also want to let you know that you may […]

DISTRICT RELEASES VENTILATION SYSTEMS INFORMATION REPORT

Posted August 3, 2021

The District recently released a “Ventilation Systems Information Report” (viewable here) that states that “The District’s buildings are safe and comply with Cal/OSHA standards.  We encourage faculty to browse the introductory text and check the appendices to find information describing the HVAC conditions for the building(s) in which you work; and if you have any […]

AFT 1493 CALLS OUT INAPPROPRIATE EARLY CLASS CANCELLATIONS AND CONVERSIONS OF ONLINE CLASSES TO F2F CLASSES

Posted July 29, 2021

AFT 1493 President Monica Malamud addressed the SMCCCD Board of Trustees on July 28 to inform them about inappropriate early class cancellations and conversions of online classes to in-person classes, which have resulted in significant decreases in enrollment. She also raised concerns about unaddressed health and safety issues that still need to be addressed before […]

FACULTY & STUDENTS CALL ON DISTRICT TO STOP CLASS CANCELLATIONS

Posted July 15, 2021

In the MOU for Fall 2021 that AFT 1493 recently negotiated with the District, we were happy to agree on the provision that, for Fall semester, course sections that achieve an enrollment of at least 10 students will not be canceled for low enrollment. This provision helps ensure that the District is able to offer […]

AGREEMENT ON FALL 2021 MOU REACHED

Posted July 14, 2021

At negotiations sessions on June 29th and 30th, AFT and the District reached agreement on a Memorandum of Understanding for the Fall 2021 semester. The MOU contains special provisions for faculty work in the context of the pandemic and includes articles covering both remote and on-campus work. AFT and the District also stipulated that the […]

COVID-19, THE ADA & AFT SUPPORT

Posted July 14, 2021

Note: Below is an email from Skyline Anthropology Professor Lori Slicton, who gives an overview of the process to obtain reasonable accommodations for faculty who have a disability covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Many health conditions qualify as disabilities for which an employer must provide reasonable accommodations. However, we also want to […]

PAY FOR JUNETEENTH AND STATUS OF REOPENING PLANS

Posted June 25, 2021

Pay for 2021 Juneteenth holiday (Monday, June 28, 2021) As you’ve probably heard, the SMCCCD Board has voted to make Juneteenth a District holiday and decided to observe it this coming Monday, June 28, so no classes will be held and the colleges will be closed for business. (In future years, the District will commemorate […]

DISCUSSION OF CAMPUS REOPENING AT JUNE 9 BOARD MEETING

Posted June 10, 2021

June 9, 2021 SMCCCD Board of Trustees Meeting: Discussion of campus reopening issues Click on the links below to watch specific sections of the discussion: Mike Claire on draft policy parameters Mike Claire on reopening campuses Public Comments: J. Carson: “You should already have a map of ventilation of all of your buildings, every room […]

AFT AND FACULTY MEMBERS SPEAK OUT ON SAFELY RETURNING TO IN-PERSON WORK

Posted May 13, 2021

SMCCCD plans for returning to in-person work for the 2021-22 academic year were discussed at the May 12 Board of Trustees (BOT) meeting. Vice Chancellor Aaron McVean and others presented an Update on District Recovery of Operations Relating to Covid-19 and Policy Recommendations Relating to Vaccination Requirements for Employees and Students which called for: Summer 2021 […]

SUPPORT CCSF FACULTY & STUDENTS

Posted May 10, 2021

Our colleagues at AFT 2121, the City College of San Francisco faculty union, need support. They have been battling layoffs and course cuts that would decimate CCSF. City College faculty agreed to big sacrifices, including progressive salary reductions from 4% to 11% to prevent the layoffs of 163 full-time faculty and to prevent the loss […]

FACULTY RATIFY NEW 3-YEAR CONTRACT! 97% VOTE YES!

Posted May 7, 2021

In voting from Monday, May 3 through Thursday, May 6, District faculty overwhelmingly ratified the Tentative Agreement for a new multiyear contract.  371 members, or 40% of our 930-person bargaining unit, voted in the ratification election. Of these, 361 people (97%) voted YES to ratify the contract. Five people (1%) voted no, and five people […]

May 2021 (Issue 44, Number 6)

Posted May 7, 2021

In this issue: Faculty ratify new 3-year contract! 97% vote Yes! Review contract highlights and questions & answers about the new contract Faculty survey reports: – Report on Summer-Fall 2021 MOU Survey Class size reductions, tech support and work-from-home stipends are priorities as mostly remote instruction continues – Report on Survey on Faculty Vaccinations More […]

May 2021 Advocate: Action Alert

Posted May 7, 2021

Action Alert Tell California’s elected leaders: Invest in community colleges California’s community colleges are critical to our students’ and our communities’ recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Unfortunately, without immediate action from Sacramento, most of our colleges are facing dire fiscal crises, threatening jobs and undermining our ability to meet the needs of our students and […]

May 2021 Advocate: AFT 1493ers in action

Posted May 7, 2021

AFT 1493ers in action AFT 1493’s CAT team gathers to celebrate contract settlement and AFT 1493 contingent marches in San Francisco’s May Day parade Members of CAT, AFT 1493’s Contract Action Team (all vaccinated!) got together at a park in South San Francisco to celebrate the tentative agreement of the faculty contract after more than […]

May 2021 Advocate: Faculty’s right to speak to the press

Posted May 6, 2021

Defending faculty’s rights Skyline President revises message on media policy after AFT points out faculty’s right to speak to press without the approval of PIO Skyline College President, Melissa Moreno, sent a message to the Skyline community on May 3 that corrected a previous message she had sent out on the subject of role of […]

May 2021 Advocate: Faculty ratify new contract

Posted May 6, 2021

Faculty ratify new three-year contract! 97% vote Yes! In voting from Monday, May 3 through Thursday, May 6, District faculty overwhelmingly ratified the Tentative Agreement for a new multiyear contract.  371 members, or 40% of our 930-person bargaining unit, voted in the ratification election. Of these, 361 people (97%) voted YES to ratify the contract. […]

May 2021 Advocate: Gender Oppression Listening Space

Posted May 6, 2021

Anti-Oppression Committee All faculty, staff and students are invited to the Gender Oppression Listening Space: A session to share experiences and build solidarity: Friday, May 14, 1 – 2:30 p.m. by Rika Yonemura-Fabian, Skyline Chapter co-chair, AFT anti-oppression committee co-lead Many female-identifying faculty and students experience gender aggression, discrimination and harassment in classrooms and in […]

May 2021 Advocate: SURJ San Mateo

Posted May 6, 2021

Social justice organizing in our communities Showing Up for Racial Justice, San Mateo: People with privilege organizing against systemic racism by David Usher, SURJ San Mateo member Are you outraged by the repeated police killings, the criminalization, mass incarceration, the economic and political disenfranchisement of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color)?  Do you want to […]

May 2021 Advocate: Faculty Survey: Vaccinated?

Posted May 6, 2021

AFT 1493 Faculty Survey: Who’s vaccinated? AFT 1493 vaccine survey reveals more than 90% of members have received at least one dose of a Covid vaccine by Marianne Kaletzky, AFT 1493 Executive Secretary Earlier this month, our Local took a survey of SMCCD faculty with the intention of determining whether our members might need help […]

May 2021 Advocate: Summer-Fall 2021 MOU Survey

Posted May 6, 2021

AFT 1493 Faculty Survey: Summer-Fall 2021 MOU Class size reductions, tech support and work-from-home stipends are priorities as mostly remote instruction continues by Marianne Kaletzky, AFT 1493 Executive Secretary Now that AFT and SMCCD have reached a Tentative Agreement for a multiyear contract, our Local is preparing to negotiate a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) governing […]

May 2021 Advocate: Support for Adjuncts

Posted May 6, 2021

Adjunct Faculty New to SMCCD? Support for Part-time Faculty is Available. My name is Jessica Silver-Sharp and I’m writing to reach out to those of you hired since our campuses closed last March. Since our district doesn’t generally hold orientations for new part-time faculty, I’m available to fill you in on your adjunct rights and […]

May 2021 Advocate: In Memoriam: Rich Yurman

Posted May 6, 2021

In Memoriam Rich Yurman, Retired Skyline Professor of English, Creative Writing & Algebra, 1937-2021 Rich Yurman passed away in his sleep at the end of January 2020. Rich taught at Skyline from the early 1970’s into the 1990’s and was beloved by his students and his colleagues for his humor, generosity, and understated braininess.  Rich […]

May 2021 Advocate: Faculty Focus: Rod Daus-Magbual

Posted May 6, 2021

Faculty Focus Rod Daus-Magbual: Working for social justice in the classroom and community by Eric Brenner, Advocate Editor “Faculty Focus” is an occasional Advocate feature that highlights the unique work and accomplishments of our members. Dr. Rod Daus-Magbual began teaching Filipino Studies in the Kababayan program at Skyline College in the Fall of 2004 and […]

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE TENTATIVE AGREEMENT BETWEEN AFT AND SMCCD

Posted May 3, 2021

When will the contract go into effect?If we ratify (in our electronic ratification vote May 3rd through 6th), the Board will vote on approving the contract at their meeting on May 12th. If they approve it, it will immediately go into effect. If we ratify, will negotiations begin on another contract soon?Yes, the current contract […]

CONTRACT AGREEMENT REACHED!

Posted March 26, 2021

Good news! AFT and SMCCD reach agreement on new multiyear contract Dear faculty colleagues, We write with good news: yesterday, March 25, AFT and the District arrived at a tentative agreement on compensation and benefits—the final issue that remained outstanding for the contract we are currently negotiating. Yesterday’s agreement means that negotiations for our new […]

March 2021 (Issue 44, Number 5)

Posted March 24, 2021

In this issue: Contract negotiations are down to one final issue AFT’s proposal will move adjuncts 3 percentage points closer to the 85% parity goal. Under the District’s proposal, adjuncts would still be in the high 60s (68% or 69% parity) on the new, step-and-column schedule.  As contract negotiations near a settlement, here is a review […]

March 2021 Advocate: Negotiations Update

Posted March 24, 2021

Negotiations Update Contract negotiations are down to one final issue On Tuesday, March 23, AFT negotiators came to an agreement with the District as to what will be required for adjunct instructors to advance a step once we reach parity. That means we have only one issue outstanding: whether the existing, single-column adjunct instructional schedule […]

March 2021 Advocate: Negotiations Overview

Posted March 24, 2021

negotiations As contract negotiations near a settlement, a review of what we’ve won so far by Marianne Kaletzky, AFT 1493 Executive Secretary We are in the final stage of bargaining a new multi-year contract for faculty. Our AFT negotiating team knows these negotiations have been especially long, and so we want to give you an […]

March 2021 Advocate: Adjunct Safe Space meetings

Posted March 24, 2021

Part-Time Faculty Next Adjunct Safe Space meeting: April 28 AFT 1493 adjunct faculty are invited to join us at our Safe Space meetings for part-time faculty to talk about their lived experiences and to share their stories. Next month we will meet on April 28: 4-5pm The Zoom link for all meetings: https://zoom.us/j/95015632193?pwd=ek1FdlVHZDJtcWdSenprWU1RSVByUT09 Meeting ID: […]

March 2021 Advocate: Enrollment, Faculty & Revenue Trends

Posted March 24, 2021

SMCCD Enrollment, Faculty & Revenue Trends Over Last Decade Over the last decade or so, our district enrollment has declined significantly as have our number of part-time faculty. The number of full-time faculty has increased by about a dozen over the same period. Meanwhile our district’s annual revenues have risen dramatically, from $113.8 million in […]

March 2021 Advocate: Book Review

Posted March 24, 2021

Book Review: Free City! The Struggle for City College of San Francisco a review of Free City! The Fight for San Francisco’s City College and Education for All (PM Press), by Marcy Rein, Mickey Ellinger, Vicky Legion by David Lau, AFT 1493 CSM Chapter Chair In the period between the Great Financial Crisis and the […]

March 2021 Advocate: Organizing against CalSTRS’ investments in fossil fuels

Posted March 23, 2021

Environmental justice Call on CalSTRS to divest from fossil fuels A message from high school students in Youth vs Apocalypse: Most faculty are not aware that over $6 billion of their retirement money is being handed over to fossil fuel companies and funding destruction like the Line 3 pipeline where Indigenous water protectors have been […]

March 2021 Advocate: Discussing anti-Asian violence

Posted March 23, 2021

Anti-racist organizing We Are Not Your Model Minority: Faculty, staff, and students co-organize a sharing space on anti-Asian violence By Rika Yonemura, AFT 1493 Skyline Chapter Co-Rep As people are taking to the street to protest against anti-Asian hate and violence across U.S. cities in response to the surging incidents that are victimizing people of […]

March 2021 Advocate: Fight cuts at CCSF

Posted March 23, 2021

union solidarity Support the fight against major cuts at City College of San Francisco By Valarie Bachelor, NorCal Lead Organizer, California Federation of Teachers  As was reported in the last issue of the Advocate, City College of San Francisco’s Board of Trustees recently voted to send layoff notices to 163 Full Time Faculty. These job […]

March 2021 Advocate: Adjuncts need more than pay parity

Posted March 21, 2021

Viewpoint Adjunct equity means much more than just pay parity Holiday pay, job security, affordable health benefits are also still needed by Chris Burns, Adjunct Faculty Librarian, Cañada College I’m an adjunct faculty member at SMCCD, where I’ve worked as a librarian for all three schools. This semester, I’ve received 14 emails from AFT. Of […]

March 2021 Advocate: California Tax on Extreme Wealth

Posted March 21, 2021

It’s time for the California Tax on Extreme Wealth! On Monday, March 15, the California Federation of Teachers (CFT) proudly joined legislative leaders from throughout California to introduce the California Tax on Extreme Wealth. Sponsored by CFT, the legislation would implement a 1% tax on wealth in excess of $50 million per household in our […]

March 2021 Advocate: Daly City for Black Lives

Posted March 21, 2021

Social justice organizing in our communities Daly City for Black Lives: Advocating for community engagement in South City budget by Jeremy Yanson Daly City for Black Lives (DC4BL) is an intergenerational and racially diverse group of Daly City residents who are reimagining public safety by creating solutions that address problems at the root. We are building […]

AFT 1493 CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS REPORTS

Posted March 19, 2021

Questions?  Contact: AFT 1493 Executive Director Marianne Kaletzky Negotiations Reports contents: Reopener Negotiations (July 2022 through June 2025 contract): March 7, 2024 Negotiations Session February 29, 2024 Negotiations Session New 3-Year Contract Negotiations: July 2022 through June 2025: August 30th Negotiations Session August 23rd Negotiations Session August 11th Negotiations Session August 2nd Negotiations Session January […]

March 2021 Advocate: Coalition Z San Mateo

Posted March 18, 2021

working for social justice in our communities Young people in Coalition Z are organizing for racial justice in San Mateo  by Carolyn Mish, member of Coalition Z San Mateo Coalition Z San Mateo is a left-leaning youth advocacy group that works towards community awareness and education on social issues. Formed by San Mateo youth in […]

March 2021 Advocate: Faculty letters support part-time parity

Posted March 15, 2021

Campaign for Part-Time Parity Selected letters to the Board of Trustees supporting parity for part-time faculty The following are a small sample of the 180 letters sent by district faculty members to the SMCCD Board of Trustees and Chancellor in just four days, between February 26th and March 1st, with the basic message:  SMCCD needs […]

March 2021 Advocate: Faculty write to Board to support part-time parity

Posted March 14, 2021

Campaign for Part-Time Parity SMCCD faculty express discontent over inequities faced by part-time faculty in spirited letter-writing campaign  180 speak out to support Part-Time Parity!  by Katharine Harer, AFT 1493 Co-Vice President and Jessica Silver-Sharp, AFT 1493 Secretary In just four days, between February 26th and March 1st, SMCCD faculty members flooded the SMCCD Board […]

FACULTY SPEAK TO BOARD IN SUPPORT OF EQUITY FOR ADJUNCT FACULTY

Posted February 25, 2021

Jessica Silver-Sharp, Timothy Rottenberg, Michael Phipps and Lucia Lachmayr made comments to the Board of Trustees at the February 24 Board meeting calling on the Board to support a 4-year path to part-time parity (at 85% pro rata) and a mirrored salary schedule for part-time faculty members. 180 letters in support of part-time parity were […]

WHERE’S THE EQUITY FOR PART-TIME FACULTY?

Posted February 9, 2021

Our District has long talked about tackling serious inequities, from the need for diversity to other social justice issues. But they remain complacent about one glaring inequity, their failure to pay part-time faculty equitably in proportion to full-timers. SMCCCD not only does not pay part-time faculty equitably compared to full-time faculty in our district, they […]

February 2021 (Issue 44, Number 4)

Posted February 2, 2021

In this issue: Negotiations Report New Covid MOU for the Spring semester includes renewed family leave and monthly stipends for all faculty teaching online. Negotiations are continuing on compensation. – Faculty parents spoke out at two Board of Trustees meetings to push for renewed family leave in the Spring MOU. The Board and District listened. […]

February 2021 Advocate: 2022-23 Academic Calendar draft

Posted February 1, 2021

Feedback needed on 2022-23 Academic Calendar The first draft of the district’s 2022-23 Academic Calendar has been developed and AFT is interested in any feedback or questions from faculty.  Check out the draft here and please contact your AFT Chapter Chair with any input or concerns.

February 2021 Advocate: Negotiations update

Posted February 1, 2021

Negotiations update Covid MOU settled for Spring semester; Negotiations continue on compensation by Marianne Kaletzky, AFT 1493 Executive Secretary Just before Christmas, AFT 1493 and the District settled an MOU for Spring 2021 that includes provisions for up to 12 weeks of family leave. Given our difficulties getting the District to the negotiating table, many […]

February 2021 Advocate: Resolving faculty issues

Posted February 1, 2021

Grievance Work AFT works to resolve faculty issues and improve working conditions By Marianne Kaletzky, AFT 1493 Executive Secretary District grants back pay to part-timer refused assignment for moving out of state In December 2020, AFT reached a settlement on the case of a part-time faculty member teaching entirely online, who lost their assignment because […]

February 2021 Advocate: Faculty Evaluation Orientations

Posted February 1, 2021

Attend or view a faculty evaluation orientation In order to be fully informed about faculty evaluation policies and procedures and avoid common problems and misunderstandings, AFT 1493 strongly recommends that any faculty member who will be involved in an evaluation should attend a faculty evaluation orientation or watch the Skyline College Evaluation Guidance Committee’s instructional […]

February 2021 Advocate: Social justice activist wins SSF Council seat

Posted February 1, 2021

Social justice / Community organizing 21-year-old social justice activist James Coleman wins seat on South San Francisco City Council By Eric Brenner, Advocate Editor AFT 1493 began working with a new local social justice organization, “ChangeSSF,” after it was formed in the wake of the Minneapolis police killing of George Floyd in late May of […]

February 2021 Advocate: Adjunct Safe Space dates

Posted February 1, 2021

Part-Time Faculty Adjunct Safe Space meetings set for next three months AFT 1493 adjunct faculty are invited to join us at our Safe Space meetings for part-time faculty to talk about their lived experiences and to share their stories. We will meet on the following dates/times: February 24: 4-5pm March 24: 4-5pm April 28: 4-5pm […]

February 2021 Advocate: Executive Secretary Marianne Kaletzky

Posted February 1, 2021

AFT 1493 staff AFT 1493 Executive Secretary Marianne Kaletzky is at center of Local’s work advocating for all faculty Although AFT 1493 Executive Secretary Marianne Kaletzky (in photo below) was hired last summer and first introduced herself to members in an email message at the beginning of the Fall semester,  we asked her to re-introduce […]

February 2021 Advocate: Introducing new AFT Executive Committee members

Posted February 1, 2021

AFT 1493 officers Introducing newly-elected AFT Executive Committee members New AFT 1493 Executive Committee (EC) members were elected in December 2020 and announced at the end of that month. Normally, our union EC elections take place towards the end of the Spring semester and newly elected officers take office at the last Spring membership meeting […]

February 2021 Advocate: Family leave renewed

Posted February 1, 2021

Contract Action Team Family leave renewed in Spring MOU after faculty parents speak out at Board meetings By Jessica Silver-Sharp with Katharine Harer You’ve probably heard the news! Through the hard work of our negotiating team and a number of union members and activists in particular, AFT1493 settled a Spring 2021 MOU that renews the […]

February 2021 Advocate: CCSF in Crosshairs: Viewpoint

Posted February 1, 2021

VIEWPOINT ON CCSF CRISIS City College of San Francisco in the Crosshairs Again by David Lau, AFT 1493 CSM Chapter Chair Flashback. It is 2010. The Great Financial Crisis unleashes an epic wave of austerity in California, setting the Golden State adrift. Rather than use Democratic supermajorities to pass tax on the wealthy and corporations […]

February 2021 Advocate: Crisis at CCSF

Posted February 1, 2021

Solidarity with CCSF New Crisis at City College of San Francisco By Rick Baum, CCSF part-time faculty member On Friday, January 22, 2021, during the first week of the new term, the City College of San Francisco (CCSF) interim chancellor issued a statement that all full-time tenured faculty would soon be receiving a lay-off notice.  […]

February 2021 Advocate: Calling for Equity for Adjunct Faculty

Posted February 1, 2021

AFT 1493 BOARD PRESENTATION Does the District’s commitment to equity include the commitment to a fair contract for our faculty? Comment to the SMCCD Board of Trustees by Kolo Wamba, Skyline College Faculty Member, January 27, 2021 Listen on YouTube My name is Kolo Wamba.  I teach physics at Skyline College, and I am a […]

February 2021 Advocate: Comparing Administration & Faculty Salaries

Posted February 1, 2021

AFT 1493 BOARD PRESENTATION Brief Comparison of SMCCD Administration and Faculty Salaries Comment to the SMCCD Board of Trustees by Shaun Perisho, Skyline College Faculty Member, January 13, 2021 Listen on YouTube In many ways, the SMCCD budget is an objective and empirical measure of its priorities. To that aim, I’d like to quickly summarize […]

February 2021 Advocate: Exploring Equitable Teaching and Learning

Posted February 1, 2021

ANTI-OPPRESSION COMMITTEE AFT members share their classroom practices at Flex Day workshop to explore conditions for equitable teaching and learning By Rika Yonemura-Fabian and Doniella Maher  Over 100 faculty and staff members attended the Flex workshop organized by the Anti-Oppression Committee of the AFT on January 14. The workshop was organized with the aim of […]

February 2021 Advocate: District continues to violate 50% law

Posted February 1, 2021

DISTRICT BUDGET District’s continuing willful violation of the 50% law exposes unwillingness to prioritize funding for classroom instruction By Eric Brenner, Advocate Editor Our college district continues to brazenly violate the “50% law,” the California Education Code requirement that community college districts must spend at least 50% of their educational expenses on classroom instructors’ salaries. […]

USE AFT ZOOM BACKGROUNDS TO HIGHLIGHT DISTRICT INEQUITIES

Posted January 18, 2021

To highlight SMCCD pay inequities between administrators and faculty and between SMCCD part-time faculty and neighboring districts, AFT 1493 has created three Zoom backgrounds faculty can display during meetings.  We encourage faculty to download and use these backgrounds whenever you feel it would be appropriate (e.g in committee and division meetings.) To download any of […]

PARENTAL LEAVES RENEWED FOR SPRING!

Posted December 23, 2020

We are happy to share some good news!  Through the hard work and heartfelt testimonies of a number of union members, especially faculty parents, we have now settled a Memorandum of Understanding for Spring 2021.  The MOU renews the leave opportunities previously guaranteed by the FFCRA: that is, faculty caring for children whose schools are […]

December 2020

Posted December 8, 2020

View full December 2020 issue (pdf) In this issue: Contract negotiations in final stretch: Pay, benefits and new MOU are on the table AFT is proposing a parity goal of 85% and a series of concrete, timely steps to achieve it. SMCCD provides among lowest health care coverage for part-time faculty in the Bay 10 […]

Explaining “Basic Aid” or “Community-Supported” districts

Posted December 3, 2020

What does it mean when SMCCCD is called a “Basic Aid” or “Community-Supported” district? A small number of California community college districts, including the San Mateo district, are referred to as “Basic Aid” or “Community-Supported” districts because they are funded differently than other districts. A district becomes “community-supported” when its share of local property taxes […]

Comparison of Part-Time Faculty Pay: Bay 10 Districts

Posted November 23, 2020

Our District has long talked about tackling serious inequities, from the need for diversity to other social justice issues. But they remain complacent about one glaring inequity, their failure to pay part-time faculty equitably in proportion to full-timers. SMCCCD not only does not pay part-time faculty equitably compared to full-time faculty in our district, they […]

November 2020

Posted October 26, 2020

View full November 2020 issue (pdf) In this issue: Contract negotiations begin on compensation, part-time parity Read about the latest district and AFT proposals on compensation, benefits, and part-time parity Why our part-time faculty need equity now! Salary comparison chart shows SMCCD’s part-time faculty are not paid equitably compared to full-time faculty in our district […]

November 2020 Advocate: Complete the AFT faculty survey on the new Covid MOU

Posted October 26, 2020

Final reminder: Please complete the AFT faculty survey on the new Covid MOU Our AFT Negotiating Team is preparing to bargain a new MOU for Spring 2021. This is the final reminder to please fill out our anonymous faculty survey by 5 p.m. today, Tuesday, October 27th. By completing the survey you’ll provide AFT with […]

November 2020 Advocate: Prop. 22 would allow gig corporations to gouge workers’ rights

Posted October 26, 2020

NOVEMBER ELECTION Prop. 22 would allow Uber, Lyft, other gig corporations to gouge workers’ rights by Marianne Kaletzky, AFT 1493 Executive Secretary If you’ve opened your mail, turned on the TV, checked your texts, logged into social media, put in a food order for delivery or pickup, or hailed a rideshare car recently, you’ve likely […]

November 2020 Advocate: Corporate attacks on Prop. 15 are tightening race

Posted October 26, 2020

NOVEMBER ELECTION Corporate attacks on Prop. 15 are tightening race; Volunteer for phone banks! Proposition 15, which would reclaim an estimated $12 billion annually for California schools and communities by reassessing commercial and industrial property to current values, has slipped below the hallmark 50% level in a new statewide poll from the Public Policy Institute […]

November 2020 Advocate: Vote by Nov. 3! Yes on 15 & 16; No on 22

Posted October 26, 2020

NOVEMBER ELECTION One week left: Vote by Nov. 3! Yes on 15 & 16;  No on 22 If you haven’t voted yet, you have until next Tuesday, Nov. 3 to cast your ballot. As we learned in 2016, elections have consequences! For a full set of ballot recommendations based on your address, go to the: […]

November 2020 Advocate: “Safe Space” meetings provide mutual support for part-time faculty

Posted October 26, 2020

PART-TIMERS “Safe Space” meetings allow part-time faculty to share experiences and stories with other adjuncts by Annie Corbett, Cañada College and Skyline College, Psychology On September 10 and October 14, Suji Venkataraman, Skyline College Education/Child Development part-time professor and Annie Corbett, Cañada College and Skyline College Psychology part-time professor, hosted adjunct faculty-only “Safe Space” meetings […]

November 2020 Advocate: Initial snapshots of part-time faculty survey

Posted October 26, 2020

PART-TIMERS AFT survey reveals some snapshots of working conditions for part-time faculty in our district AFT 1493 surveyed district part-time faculty the week of October 12 – 16 to find out more about the working conditions and contexts for SMCCD adjunct faculty and their experiences and concerns regarding their work. We also asked full-time faculty […]

November 2020 Advocate: What Would 85% Parity Mean to You?

Posted October 26, 2020

What Would 85% Parity Mean to You? We asked some part-time faculty members what it would mean to them if the district paid them 85% parity (percentage of full-time faculty salary rates for equivalent loads.) “85% Pay Parity would show that the district understands that teacher’s working conditions are student’s learning conditions. By investing in […]

November 2020 Advocate: 50 years ago: Anti-war movement comes to Skyline

Posted October 26, 2020

STUDENT ACTIVISM: AN HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE 50 years ago: Anti-war movement comes to Skyline This is the second in a series of three articles looking back at events at each of our three colleges fifty years ago as the anti-Vietnam War movement swept college campuses around the country. The first article, focused on Cañada College, ran […]

November 2020 Advocate: AFT launches Anti-Oppression Committee (AOC)

Posted October 26, 2020

SOCIAL JUSTICE Where labor rights and social justice meet: AFT launches Anti-Oppression Committee (AOC) By Rika Yonemura-Fabian, AFT 1493 Skyline Chapter Co-Chair & Doniella Maher, AFT 1493 Cañada Chapter Co-Chair A recent study published in the American Journal of Political Science shows that union membership lowers the racial and gender bias among white union members. […]

November 2020 Advocate: Nominations open for AFT 1493 officers

Posted October 26, 2020

UNION LEADERSHIP Nominations open for AFT 1493 officers; Postponed elections to take place in November In November, AFT 1493 will be holding elections for local officers for the next two years and nominations for our elected offices are now open. (Although elections for union officers usually take place in the spring, the elections were postponed […]

November 2020 Advocate: Why our part-time faculty need equity now!

Posted October 26, 2020

Why our part-time faculty need equity now! For far too long SMCCD has not paid part-time faculty equitably compared to full-time faculty in our district, and, in fact, they have paid part-time faculty significantly less than other local districts do. The vast majority of California community college districts pay part-time faculty a salary based on […]

November 2020 Advocate: Contract Negotiations

Posted October 26, 2020

CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS Bargaining moves to compensation, part-time parity By Marianne Kaletzky, AFT 1493 Executive Secretary After settling the MOU for Summer and Fall 2020, AFT and the District returned to negotiations for a multi-year contract. Discussions have focused on three issues that have long been major priorities for the union: workload, compensation, and part-time parity. […]

AFT 2121 – CCSF / San Francisco Ballot Recommendations

Posted October 21, 2020

American Federation of Teachers, Local 2121, faculty union of City College of San Francisco (CCSF) November 2020 Voters Guide CCSF Board of Trustees: Aliya Chisti An advocate for Free City College and greater campus equity Anita Martinez Former CCSF  instructor, union leader and administrator and Skyline College dean. Alan Wong Strong ally of teachers and students […]

Selected readings on the impact of class size on online education

Posted October 16, 2020

ONLINE EDUCATION AND CLASS SIZE Selected readings on the impact of class size on online education Setting Course Enrollment Maximums: Process, Roles, and Principles. Academic Senate for California Community Colleges. Adopted Spring 2012. The primary basis of any determination regarding enrollment maximums should be the pedagogical factors that influence the success of the students in […]

September 2020

Posted September 23, 2020

View full September 2020 issue (pdf) In this issue: SMCCCD: Where’s the equity for part-time faculty? It’s time for the 70% to get their fair share! Why do part-time faculty members in our wealthy district get paid about $6000 less per year than part-timers teaching the same 9-unit load at neighboring districts? This is what […]

TEACH-IN ADDRESSES SYSTEMIC INEQUITIES: VIEW HIGHLIGHTS

Posted September 9, 2020

In solidarity with the national #ScholarStrike and with work stoppages undertaken by professional athletes to support the Movement for Black Lives, AFT 1493’s virtual Teach-In — “Social Justice Unionism in Practice: From Part-Time Pay Parity to Anti-Oppression Organizing” was held Thursday, Sept 10.  Over 170 students, faculty members, staff and community supporters attended. Together we’re […]

INVITATION TO ADJUNCT FACULTY SAFE SPACE AT AFT 1493 TEACH-IN, SEPT. 10

Posted September 7, 2020

Below is a special invitation from Suji Venkataraman and Annie Corbett, SMCCD adjunct faculty members who will be facilitating a safe space for adjuncts only as part of our union’s broader Teach-In: “Social Justice Unionism in Practice: From Part-Time Parity to Anti-Oppression Organizing,”  Thursday, September 10th, from noon to 3 p.m., on Zoom. The adjunct […]

SOCIAL / RACIAL JUSTICE

Posted August 11, 2020

AFT 1493 Anti-Oppression Committee: AFT launches Anti-Oppression Committee Gendered division of labor: Who does the work when it’s time to do the work? AFT 1493’s Gender Oppression Task Force organizes to strengthen District’s Title IX policies and procedures AFT 1493’s Anti-Oppression Committee organizes Jan. 14, 2021 Flex Day workshop to allow faculty to explore classroom […]

POINT VALUES FOR PROPOSED WORKLOAD POINTS SYSTEM

Posted July 30, 2020

.5 Points: Update/revise course outlines Monitor and train tutors who support our classes Mentor new faculty Participate in preparing accreditation report as a committee member Serve on Accreditation Oversight Committee Serve on CTE advisory committee Attend division meetings regularly Attend department meetings for departments that meet regularly Assess course or program SLO’s 1 Point: Evaluate […]

SUMMER/FALL 2020 MOU: KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

Posted July 21, 2020

AFT has agreed on a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the District around emergency actions relating to the Coronavirus pandemic. Below are highlights and clarifications of issues related to the MOU. We will update this page regularly as we work out implementation details with the District and as we answer questions from faculty on […]

PAID MEDICAL & FAMILY LEAVE AVAILABLE

Posted July 12, 2020

We have received many questions from faculty wondering about whether they can take leave during Summer or Fall. AFT is committed to supporting faculty through every step of this process. Here’s what you need to know about your eligibility, as well as links to forms. According to Emergency Paid Sick Leave and Childcare Leave Families […]

RESOLUTION ON ICE’S POLICY ON INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

Posted July 12, 2020

Below is a proposed resolution to be voted on by AFT 1493’s Executive Committee. [How to work to oppose the new ICE policy that threatens international students’ ability to remain in the US.] AFT Local 1493 condemns SEVP’s (ICE Student and Exchange Visitor Program) modification to temporary exemptions for non-immigrant students taking online classes during […]

AFT MEMBERS SPEAK OUT AT 6/24 BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING

Posted June 26, 2020

Listen to SMCCD Counselors Arielle Smith, Lavinia Zanassi, Jacqueline Escobar, Sandra Mendez, and Jenna French speak about their working conditions Listen to the following faculty members speak about the need to address excessive workload for faculty in SMCCD: Deepak Tiwari (on the amount of extra time and work required to teach online classes) Suji Venkataraman […]

AFT 1493 Membership Meeting Agenda – June 24, 2020

Posted June 22, 2020

AFT Local 1493 Membership Meeting Wednesday, June 24, 2020 2:30-5:00 p.m. Zoom conference call: See AFT email to faculty for link.  AGENDA ITEM  PRESENTER  TIME 1.  Welcome and Introductions (if necessary)  5’ 2.  Statements from AFT members (non EC members) on Non-Agenda Items  2’ per person 3.  *CHANGESSF Endorsement  EJ Unisa 10’ 4.  *Approve Minutes […]

AFT 1493 RESPONSE TO THE MURDER OF GEORGE FLOYD

Posted June 3, 2020

In the strongest possible terms, AFT 1493 condemns the state-sanctioned murder of George Floyd on May 25 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. We stand in steadfast solidarity with our brothers and sisters of color and with those raising their voices and marching in the streets. We denounce historical and structural racism and the ever-present legacy of white […]

RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF UNDOCUMENTED STUDENTS

Posted June 1, 2020

Dear Faculty Colleagues, As strong advocates for working families in the Bay Area, we know how much inequality exists within our community and how difficult it can be to survive in such an expensive area even under the best conditions. For our undocumented students and their families, it is even more difficult. Now with the […]

OVERWHELMING SUPPORT FOR PAY PARITY FOR SMCCCD PART-TIME FACULTY

Posted May 15, 2020

AFT’s member-driven campaign for our Part-Time Pay Parity Petition was a tremendous success! In just under two weeks, 640 faculty members and supporters signed the petition! AFT members reached out to their colleagues across the district, as well as to education unions, the San Mateo Labor Council, community activists, students and friends of community colleges. […]

May 2020

Posted May 6, 2020

View full May 2020 issue (pdf) In this issue: Virtual May Day rally reignites contract campaign Over 120 SMCCCD faculty, staff, and students joined a Virtual May Day rally to discuss the impact of the COVID crisis on teaching and learning conditions, the need for fair compensation and for pay parity for part-time faculty. WATCH […]

May 2020 Advocate: Face-to-face teaching must remain the core of higher ed.

Posted May 5, 2020

ONLINE EDUCATION Face-to-face teaching must remain the core of higher ed. by Rika Yonemura-Fabian, Skyline AFT Chapter Co-Chair The sudden switch we all made in March to remote education has turned the entire District inside out.  Just a few months ago, about 80% of our classes were taught face to face.  In this new-to-most-of-us online […]

UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Posted May 3, 2020

All part-time faculty should remember that you are eligible for unemployment compensation benefits over the summer and during the winter break, unless you are working another job over the summer or between semesters and you are earning more than your unemployment grant would be. During the pandemic, the Federal CARES Act brings additional benefits. READ […]

AFT 1493 MAY DAY 2020 RALLY: WATCH ALL OF THE SPEAKERS & PARTICIPANTS

Posted May 3, 2020

Over 120 SMCCCD faculty, staff, and students joined a Virtual May Day rally to discuss the impact of the COVID crisis on teaching and learning conditions and the need for fair compensation and for pay parity for part-time faculty. Attendees wore AFT “Red for Ed” T-shirts, sported a custom AFT backdrop, and flashed signs reading, […]

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS DURING CORONAVIRUS EMERGENCY MEASURES

Posted April 15, 2020

AFT successfully bargained with the District around emergency actions relating to the Coronavirus Pandemic and agreed on a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that addresses many of the effects faculty have been dealing with.  Below are clarifications and answers to questions related to the MOU. Read highlights of all of the key relief measures of the […]

HIGHLIGHTS OF MOU ON EFFECTS OF DISTRICT EMERGENCY ACTIONS DUE TO CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC

Posted April 15, 2020

Below is an update on the MOU our union successfully bargained with the District around emergency actions relating to the Coronavirus Pandemic. We have reached final agreement with the District. Click here to view the full MOU.  Your input and our collective actions have greatly contributed to the success of this process. Some of your […]

JOIN YOUR COLLEAGUES FOR A VIRTUAL RALLY & SPEAK-OUT ON MAY DAY!

Posted April 14, 2020

On May 1st labor unions across the world are speaking out about the challenges of working people during the COVID pandemic. Your faculty union is inviting you to join our special May Day action:  A virtual faculty rally on Friday, 5/1, from 2-3pm.   Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/94221091151 Who will be there? Your faculty union colleagues will be […]

REPORT FROM AFT’S TOWN HALL ON COVID-19 POLICIES & IMPACTS

Posted March 28, 2020

At AFT 1493’s virtual Town Hall on Thursday, March 26, we had a great turnout of members who heard a report from our negotiators and shared many of the issues faculty are facing in our new working environments. Thank you to everyone who was able to participate. On Monday, March 30th, our bargaining team will […]

March-April 2020

Posted March 23, 2020

View full March-April 2020 issue (pdf) In this issue: AFT & District to discuss agreement on policies during crisis; faculty input on working conditions needed District hires new Chief Negotiator; Faculty input needed at virtual Town Hall, Thurs., 3/26, 1-2pm & online survey District faculty express their thoughts, feelings about teaching and surviving during a […]

COVID-19 UPDATE FROM YOUR UNION

Posted March 17, 2020

Dear AFT 1493 members, We want to acknowledge the uncertainty and fears we’re all experiencing as we navigate the enormous changes brought about by the Coronavirus. As we wash our hands and wipe down our phones, take care of our families and try to figure out how to live our lives under these unprecedented conditions, […]

AFT NEGOTIATIONS: MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD!

Posted March 11, 2020

Dear Faculty Colleagues, Join your colleagues to make sure the Chancellor receives HUNDREDS of messages from hardworking faculty. Chancellor Claire has the authority to influence the District’s negotiators to settle our contract fairly. Click “WRITE LETTER” to email the following message to Chancellor Mike Claire. Chancellor Claire, a year at the bargaining table is enough! […]

FACULTY AND STUDENT SPEAKERS PASSIONATELY EXPLAIN TO BOARD WHY WE NEED LIMITS ON WORKLOAD AND PART-TIME PARITY

Posted February 27, 2020

  Over 80 faculty and student supporters packed the February 26 Board of Trustees meeting to hear passionate speakers explain to the Trustees why we need a fair contract that addresses excessive faculty workload and provides pay parity to part-time instructors. The San Mateo Daily Journal reported: “The San Mateo Community College Federation of Teachers […]

February 2020

Posted February 12, 2020

View full February 2020 issue (pdf) In this issue: Feb. 5 Bargaining Report District presented counter proposals on investigations and binding arbitration. AFT presented counter proposals on the Distance Ed MOU and the FLC lab allocation. Why so little progress on workload and compensation? A review A review of our workload and compensation proposals and […]

STUDENT INFORMATION SHEET: WHY ARE SMCCD FACULTY FIGHTING FOR A FAIR CONTRACT?

Posted February 6, 2020

  Why Are SMCCD Faculty Fighting for a Fair Contract? Download this page as a PDF file All faculty members at Skyline, CSM and Canada, including Instructors, Counselors, Librarians, Coaches and Nurses, work according to the rules and provisions of a contract between the district and the faculty union, American Federation of Teachers (AFT) 1493.  […]

ARE YOU MAD YET? – WEAR YOUR AFT T-SHIRTS EVERY WEDNESDAY!

Posted January 26, 2020

A year at the bargaining table & still no significant movement forward. Unacceptable! At the last bargaining session, the District bargaining team wasn’t prepared and sent everyone home two hours early! Deplorable! This is after 100 of us showed up at the Board of Trustees on 11/20/2019 to inform them about faculty working conditions. Disrespectful! […]

JANUARY 10TH: RED SHIRT FLEX DAY!

Posted January 9, 2020

Dear faculty colleagues, I hope you had a restful break and are ready to take the steps needed to win a FAIR contract! As you know, it has been 11 months of bargaining and still no contract! EVERYONE is needed to join the EFFORT to ESCALATE our contract campaign! What can you do? Wear your […]

December 2019

Posted December 3, 2019

View full December 2019 issue (pdf) In this issue: We are waiting: Over 90 supporters pack Board meeting to hear nine faculty tell Trustees how contract issues affect teaching and learning Speakers addressed faculty workload, part-time parity, progressive discipline, lab load credit, and fair compensation Minor movement in latest round of bargaining Nov. 26 bargaining […]

CSEA public comment at 11-20-2019 Board of Trustees

Posted December 2, 2019

Comment from Juanita Celaya, CSEA Chapter 33 First Vice President, to SMCCD Board of Trustees, 11/20/2019 Before I begin reading our prepared statement, I would like to ask the following question: What does everyone think would happen if all of the executives, administrators and supervisors called in sick, or just weren’t here? Nothing. The campuses […]

FACULTY SPEAK TRUTH TO TRUSTEES; OVER 90 SUPPORTERS JAM MEETING

Posted November 23, 2019

More than 90 faculty members from all three colleges crowded the District Board Room on Wednesday evening, Nov. 20, to support nine courageous colleagues who spoke eloquently to the Trustees about why faculty need a fair contract. They urged the administration and elected leaders to do the right thing by addressing workload issues, equity for […]

COME TO THE NOV. 20 BOARD MEETING TO SUPPORT A FAIR CONTRACT FOR FACULTY

Posted November 1, 2019

S is for SOLIDARITY. And S is for SALARIES! Our Administrators’ salaries rank #1 in California. (Let me repeat: Number One!) Not so for Faculty (Read up!) Is this Fair? Are you ready to win a Fair Contract this November? Here are ACTIONS you can take: STAND in solidarity with your colleagues who will speak […]

November 2019

Posted October 30, 2019

View full November 2019 issue (pdf) In this issue: While our administrators’ salaries are ranked #1 in the state, our full-time faculty salaries rank below the top tier of Bay 10 districts and our part-time faculty salary rankings are in the lower half of Bay 10 districts Meanwhile, the number of SMCCCD administrators increased 55% […]

CFT LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

Posted October 21, 2019

INTRODUCTION September 13, 2019 marked the end of the first year of the two-year legislative session. The legislature will be on Interim Recess until January 6, 2020. The governor had until October 13, 2019 to sign or veto those bills that made it to his desk. An unprecedented 10 CFT-sponsored/co- sponsored bills passed the legislature […]

THURSDAY JAN. 16: NEGOTIATIONS DAY, WEAR YOUR RED AFT T-SHIRT!

Posted October 15, 2019

As many of you know, our faculty union has been in contract negotiations for nearly one year.  Although we have had many in-depth discussions with the district, we have not made significant progress to improve the working lives of faculty.  We need your voices and active participation to win a FAIR contract!  Make sure to […]

NEGOTIATIONS TOWN HALLS: CSM: SEP. 23; CAN: SEP. 24; SKY: SEP. 25

Posted September 22, 2019

Are you aware that AFT has been in negotiations with the district for the past 8 months?  And did you know that the proposals put forward by AFT to ensure fair compensation and just working conditions for all the work we do have mostly been met with a terse “NO” from the district? Here’s a […]

SEPTEMBER 20 STUDENT CLIMATE STRIKE

Posted September 16, 2019

Climate Justice September 20 Student Climate Strike On September 20, three days before the UN Climate Summit in NYC, young people from across the world will strike to demand transformative action be taken to address the climate crisis. The day kicks off a week of action across California led by students and supported by environmental […]

September 2019

Posted September 10, 2019

View full September 2019 issue (pdf) In this issue: Red shirts on Wednesdays: District take warning! The current state of the contract negotiations saga One way to help improve administrators’ performance? Anonymous evaluations by everyone they supervise District rejects AFT proposal; wants to keep current policy in which administrators choose who evaluates them and evaluations […]

AFT 1493 MARCHES IN SF PRIDE

Posted July 1, 2019

Our union, AFT 1493, joins students, faculty & staff to march in 2019 PRIDE.              (photo credit: Manuel Peroni)   SMCCD students, faculty & staff join together to march in 2019 PRIDE

FACULTY PRESENT TO BOARD ON WHY ADJUNCTS NEED TO BE PAID FOR NON-INSTRUCTIONAL WORK (VIDEO)

Posted May 26, 2019

Faculty members made presentations about the need to pay part-time faculty for non-instructional work, at the SMCCCD Board of Trustees Meeting on May 15, 2019. AFT 1493 President, Paul Rueckhaus, introduced the issue and the rest of the speakers. Kathy Haven (Cañada, ESL) spoke and read a letter from Sarah Harmon (Cañada, Spanish); Barbara Corzonkoff […]

DAY OF ACTION IN SACRAMENTO

Posted May 24, 2019

May 22nd Day of Action and Rally in Sacramento AFT 1493 members, Paul Bissember (at left), Eric Brenner (second from left), Rika Yonemura-Fabian (third from left), and Katharine Harer (second from right), at the May 22nd Day of Action and rally at the state capitol. AFT 1493 members Paul Bissember, Eric Brenner, Rika Yonemura-Fabian and […]

May 2019

Posted April 30, 2019

View full May 2019 issue In this issue: Slow progress in contract negotiations Lucky 13: Superstition & reality in professional development funds FLCs for lab courses need to be reallocated: Statements from the Music and Art faculty & how increased workload factored into CSM Band Director Mike Galisatus’ decision to retire Adjunct faculty should be […]

March-April 2019

Posted March 19, 2019

View full March-April 2019 issue In this issue: AFT and District begin bargaining on new 3-year contract; current agreement expires June 30th Workload Equity Update Concerns raised by dual enrollment faculty being investigated by AFT and Senates Oakland teachers strike for “schools students deserve”; win significant victory; next step is at state level Horns & […]

SMCCCD WORKLOAD COMMITTEE REPORT

Posted March 19, 2019

AFT and Senate representatives from the District Workload Committee met on Flex day (March 6, 2019) to work on drafting a concrete proposal defining a “reasonable workload” and establishing a process for compensating full-time faculty who perform work in excess of what is determined to be reasonable. We made progress, but still have work to […]

February 2019

Posted February 5, 2019

View full February 2019 issue (pdf) In this issue: Let’s be honest: District needs to face reality and negotiate a reasonable workload equity system L.A. teachers’ strike turns tide in addressing public school funding & economic & social inequality Fighting for public education in California: CA Educators Rising and the L.A. Teachers’ Strike AFT 1493ers […]

WHO YOU GONNA’ CALL?

Posted January 25, 2019

If you have a problem, concern or question about contract issues, your union rights or any other work-related issue that you’d like to discuss with a union rep., please contact your campus Chapter Chair or Co-Chair.

L.A. TEACHERS UNION MEMBERS WENT ON STRIKE AND WON FOR PUBLIC EDUCATION

Posted January 23, 2019

On January 22, a tentative agreement was reached between United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA) and the LAUSD administration, ending the six-day strike that captivated the state and the nation. UTLA members ratified the agreement and returned to their classrooms the next day. The historic agreement includes many of the key goals brought by the UTLA […]

WHY L.A. TEACHERS MAY HAVE TO STRIKE

Posted January 7, 2019

In a new op-ed for the Los Angeles Times, United Teachers Los Angeles President Alex Caputo-Pearl writes that the standoff between the LA school district and UTLA is a struggle over the future of public education. Class sizes in LA often exceed 45 students, 80 percent of schools don’t have full-time nurses, and low teacher […]

AFT 1493 NEGOTIATIONS PRIORITIES

Posted January 2, 2019

AFT 1493’s bargaining team is preparing to begin faculty contract negotiations with District negotiators on a new three-year contract (July 2019 to June 2022) and, in preparation, the union conducted a survey of District faculty on areas that could be improved or added to our contract and what should be priorities in negotiations. In total, […]

CFT PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE: BLUE WAVE, BUT WHAT’S NEXT?

Posted December 19, 2018

By Joshua Pechthalt, CFT President By all measures, this was a very successful midterm election. Democrats picked up 40 seats in the U.S. House, which they will now control, and more than 300 legislative seats nationwide. In California, we ran the table on statewide officers and elected a supermajority in both houses of our state […]

December 2018

Posted December 4, 2018

December 2018 (pdf) In this issue: Faculty negotiations survey results lead to AFT’s initial 2019-22 contract proposals Questions and concerns about dual enrollment need to be addressed What is “binding arbitration” and why we need it in our contract Skyline Chapter holding bi-monthly office hours Yosemite Community College District faculty go on 2-day strike Understanding […]

November 2018

Posted October 30, 2018

November 2018 (pdf) In this issue: Don’t forget to vote in Nov. 6 general elections; AFT co-endorses Holober & Mohr for Trustee President’s Perspective: Paul’s October Surprise Spending on faculty down, but more funding needed to improve faculty conditions District Workload Committee making slow progress AFT Members head to Central Valley for election canvassing Support […]

NEGOTIATIONS SURVEY

Posted October 16, 2018

SURVEY CLOSED Dear faculty colleagues, The AFT 1493 bargaining team is preparing to begin faculty contract negotiations with District negotiators on a new three-year contract (July 2019 to June 2022) and we would like to hear from faculty on what issues you think we should focus on and prioritize. Thank you. In Unity, Joaquin Rivera […]

September 2018

Posted September 25, 2018

September 2018 (pdf) In this issue: 2018-19 COLA increases and Step adjustments President’s Perspectives: A busy start to the new semester for old and new AFT leaders Standing in solidarity with our undocumented students Meet our new AFT 1493 Executive Committee members Executive Committee votes to endorse both Richard Holober and Tom Mohr An interview […]

REPORT: BLACK, BROWN & LOW-INCOME STUDENTS ARE DENIED ACCESS TO THE PROMISE OF QUALITY EDUCATION

Posted September 24, 2018

The Alliance to Reclaim Our Schools, a partnership between the AFT and other education and civil rights groups, released a report this month detailing the systemic underfunding of public schools, focusing specifically on black, Latino and low-income students. Instead of funding our schools, policy decisions are made that increase personal and corporate wealth, drawing down […]

COLA INCREASES FOR 2018-19 & PART-TIME STEP ADJUSTMENT

Posted August 31, 2018

Dear Esteemed Faculty, The AFT 1493 Executive Committee is happy to report that you will be seeing a cost-of-living adjustment increase of 4.02% for full-time faculty and 5.02% for part-time faculty beginning this academic year. The increase is effective starting in August, but will begin being paid to you in your September paycheck. The retroactive […]

A DECADE OF NEGLECT

Posted July 22, 2018

“A Decade of Neglect: Public Education Funding in the Aftermath of the Great Recession,” details the devastating impact on schools, classrooms and students when states choose to pursue an austerity agenda in the false belief that tax cuts will pay for themselves. The comprehensive report offers a deep dive into the austerity agendas and disinvestment […]

#UNION

Posted July 3, 2018

Right-wing groups have been waging war against public sector unions for many years, and, last week, a divided 5–4 conservative majority on the U.S. Supreme Court handed them a win in Janus v. AFSCME Council 31. This case, which overrules decades of precedent, was about stripping unions of resources, with the ultimate aim of eradicating […]

YOUR UNION REMAINS UNITED

Posted June 27, 2018

Dear Esteemed Colleagues, Today, the US Supreme Court ruled 5-4 in favor of Mark Janus in the Janus v. AFSCME case. The ruling overturned decades of precedent and eliminated the ability of public sector unions to collect fair share or agency fees. This case was not about an individual’s free speech or the First Amendment […]

STATE BUDGET APPROVED – JUNE 5TH ELECTION – STUDENT DEBT SURVEY

Posted June 15, 2018

State budget means more money for schools, but still more work to do Yesterday California lawmakers approved the 2018-2019 California state budget, sending it to the Governor for his signature. While the budget offers a substantial funding increase for the University of California, and solid funding increases for K-12 and community colleges, there is much […]

SECRET CAMPAIGN TO CRIPPLE UNIONS

Posted May 17, 2018

Anti-union forces are launching a nationwide campaign urging public sector workers to opt out of union membership and stop paying dues, according to documents obtained by The Guardian. The campaign, designed to defund and defang unions, is led by the State Policy Network, a group of right-wing think tanks funded by the Koch brothers and […]

May 2018

Posted May 13, 2018

May 2018 (pdf) In this issue AFT Local 1493 elects new leaders for 2018-2020; Paul Rueckhaus is new President Our Academy Awards: AFT 1493 wins 8 CFT Communications Awards CFT Convention: Key decision-making & inspiration Dan Kaplan, AFT 1493 anchor, to retire after 24 years 2018 AFT 1493 Scholarships awarded Part-timer appreciation event held at […]

May 2018 Advocate: 2018 AFT 1493 Scholarships

Posted May 13, 2018

AFT 1493 SCHOLARSHIPS 2018 AFT 1493 Scholarships awarded to Trista Barrantes and John Keller by Teeka James, AFT 1493 Co-Treasurer & CSM Exec. Committee Co-Rep AFT is pleased to announce that this year’s AFT 1493 Scholarships have been awarded to Trista Barrantes and John Keller. AFT 1493 Scholarships, each in the amount of $1000, are […]

May 2018 Advocate: CFT Convention report

Posted May 13, 2018

CALIFORNIA FEDERATION OF TEACHERS CFT Convention: Key decision-making & inspiration By Paul Rueckhaus, AFT 1493 President I’m a classic case of a skeptical conference goer—quick to roll my eyes and snark it up at the first whiff of vapid buzzwords, generic workshop titles and self-congratulating models of best practices. Luckily, the CFT convention, held in […]

REVISED AFT 1493 CONSTITUTION & BY-LAWS FOR APPROVAL BY FACULTY

Posted April 10, 2018

On the paper AFT 1493 2018-2020 Election Ballot, faculty are asked to approve (YES) or reject (NO) the revised versions of the Local’s Constitution and By-Laws. To see the revised version of the Local’s Constitution, click here . To see the revised version of the Local’s By-Laws, click here.

PART-TIME FACULTY APPRECIATION CELEBRATION: SKYLINE COLLEGE, APRIL 12

Posted April 5, 2018

Hello Esteemed Colleagues! April is National Poetry Month but did you also know we love to celebrate our Part-Time Faculty? Join us—Part Time and Full Time Faculty— as AFT 1493 Skyline Chapter celebrates the hard work, dedication and drive of our Part-Timers. Come for the Pizza and Prizes, stay for the conversation and unity! Thursday, […]

March-April 2018

Posted March 20, 2018

March-April 2018 (pdf) In this issue District must stop violating “50% Law” Full-timers: Complete the Workload Survey; Adjuncts: Be sure you’re paid for non-teaching work Janus vs. AFSCME anti-union Supreme Court Case explained AFT 1493 members join rally against Janus case PERS health coverage working well for retirees “College for All” organizers working to get […]

GET OUT YOUR RED UNION T-SHIRT: IT’S WORKLOAD WEDNESDAY!

Posted March 19, 2018

Dear Colleagues, Back by popular demand!   Get on your red AFT T-shirt for Workload Wednesday! This coming Wednesday, March 21st, let’s wear our red union shirts to classes, meetings, office hours — wherever you go on campus, show up in your union shirt.  We know our workload is unsustainable — wear the shirt to […]

WEST VIRGINIA TEACHERS WIN STRIKE

Posted March 7, 2018

After nine days on strike, West Virginia teachers—among the lowest paid in the nation—have won sorely needed salary increases and the promise of more affordable health care. In a state with a history of union allegiance, their solidarity resulted in a 5 percent raise for all state employees. “That victory is a testament to the […]

STRIKING WEST VIRGINIA TEACHERS STANDING STRONG!

Posted March 5, 2018

Before Supreme Court justices decide the union-busting case Janus v. AFSCME, the New York Times suggests they should turn to West Virginia for a real-time, down-to-earth example of why unions are essential for working people. Teachers there, on strike for more than a week, continue to stand strong for fair pay and for better schools […]

AFT, NEA, AFSCME, SEIU JOINT STATEMENT ON JANUS SUPREME COURT CASE

Posted February 26, 2018

Throughout the month of February, working people have been more energized and organized than any time in recent memory. There have been nationwide moments of silence and fast food strikes to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the 50th anniversary of the 1968 Memphis sanitation workers strike. Tens of thousands took to the streets […]

February 2018

Posted February 13, 2018

February 2018 (pdf) In this issue: District chooses to violate 50% law… again Faculty concerned about questionable class cancellations Chancellor’s view on 50% law Janus vs. AFSCME: Union-busting coming to Supreme Court “College for All” California ballot initiative CFT opposes online-only community college Workload Equity Committee to distribute new survey Get involved in AFT 1493: […]

UNITY DAYS: WEAR YOUR AFT T-SHIRTS FEB. 5-8

Posted February 3, 2018

Dear Esteemed Colleagues, We hope that your Spring semester has gotten off to a great start! We’ve been working hard to advocate for our faculty members from the district to Sacramento. And we’ve been winning some significant gains despite significant obstacles and difficult political terrain. In our district, we’ve secured increases in both salaries and […]

SUPPORT REDWOOD CITY HOTEL WORKERS JAN. 31, 4:15-5:30pm

Posted January 27, 2018

Come to a rally in support of the Pullman SF Bay hotel workers WHEN: JANUARY 31st, 4:15-5:30pm WHERE: Pullman San Francisco Bay Hotel, 223 Twin Dolphin Drive, Redwood City 94065 WHY: For eight months, workers at the Pullman San Francisco Bay Hotel—owned by CBRE Strategic Partners 7—have been asking for a fair process to let […]

NEW CONTRACT POSTED

Posted January 21, 2018

The complete updated July 1, 2016 – June 30, 2019 AFT 1493 – SMCCCD Contract is now posted on our site.

December 2017

Posted December 5, 2017

December 2017 (pdf) In this issue: Complexities of developing an academic calendar Board sets map and schedule for district elections Talk on issues of free speech on college campuses Workload Committee developing new faculty survey Oral History Project records retirees’ memories College scholarships available to AFT members’ children Part-timers are eligible for unemployment Benefits Committee […]

November 2017

Posted November 28, 2017

November 2017 (pdf) In this issue: Part-time faculty highlight inequities Interest in alternative methods of responding to complaints against faculty New “Equity Investigator” position raises concerns District admits it “erred” by offering their “factual” information to faculty about negotiations Workload Committee begins to look at how to resolve inequities Injunction filed to stop sale of […]

PART-TIME EQUITY WEEK

Posted November 12, 2017

During National Part-Timer Equity Week, AFT 1493 focused on raising awareness of the issues that part-time (as well as many full-time) faculty face in trying to teach and live in the Bay Area. We set up a table at Cañada College with a large map of the greater Bay Area and made a list of […]

October 2017

Posted October 3, 2017

October 2017 (pdf) In this issue: New contract approved after long campaign CFT reaches settlement with ACCJC How to be your own best witness Who will pay for KCSM in the end? Results from faculty observation forms survey Supporting undocumented students Early history of AFT 1493 – part 2 Are you a member or fee payer? Keep your AFT […]

October 2017 Advocate: Who Will Pay For KCSM In The End?

Posted October 3, 2017

THE SELL-OFF OF KSCM-TV Who Will Pay For KCSM In The End? By Tracy Rosenberg, Executive Director of Media Alliance (The Media Alliance, at media-alliance.org, is a Bay Area democratic communications advocate. Tracy fought a lonely war to save KCSM-TV between 2011 and 2013.) When we last left off the story of KCSM-TV (see article […]

TENTATIVE CONTRACT AGREEMENT APPROVED

Posted September 7, 2017

Faculty approved the tentative contract agreement, with roughly thirty percent of the faculty voting. Here are the details: Total votes:  299 Yes: 290 (97%) No:  9 (3%) We included an optional comments box on the ballot. Here’s what some folks had to say: “Thank you to the negotiating team, especially for your work advocating for […]

CONTRACT RATIFICATION: VOTE NOW

Posted August 30, 2017

Click here to vote on the ratification of the tentative contract agreement (TA). The vote will be open from August 30 through September 6. For review of contract information: Click here to review the summary of the tentative agreement. Click here to view the complete tentative agreement. Click here to view video stream of the Contract […]

CONTRACT INFORMATION SESSION: TUESDAY, AUG 29

Posted August 27, 2017

Before the contract ratification vote, in which all faculty can vote to either accept or reject the tentative agreement (TA) with the District, AFT 1493 will be holding an information session to answer your questions and explain any facets of the TA that seem unclear to you. Because the timeline is tight, we will be […]

WE HAVE A TENTATIVE AGREEMENT

Posted August 11, 2017

We have finally reached a tentative contract agreement. A basic report of the settlement is provided below. Complete details of the agreement and the ratification process will be forthcoming very soon. Salaries All faculty will receive a 3.25% increase on their salary schedules retroactive to the Fall 2016 semester, plus an additional 1% off-schedule payment. […]

FACT FINDING REPORT

Posted August 7, 2017

The fact finding report is now available here. The AFT and the District negotiating teams are meeting this Wednesday, August 9, to try to reach a settlement based on the recommendations of the fact finding report. In unity, Joaquin Rivera, Chief Negotiator and Vice President Monica Malamud, President and Negotiating team member

May 2017

Posted May 15, 2017

May 2017 (pdf) In this issue: No agreement reached at fact-finding hearing District’s Fund 1 has $50M surplus over four years KCSM-TV spectrum pot of gold dissolves into dueling lawsuits Cañada community stands up for social justice CFT Convention report AFT 1493 wins 9 CFT Communications Awards Cañada students, faculty and staff join together at […]

DATA PRESENTED BY AFT AT FACT-FINDING HEARING

Posted May 13, 2017

Documents presented by AFT 1493 at May 8, 2017 Fact-Finding Hearing Comparison of District & AFT Salary Proposals Bay 10 Full-Time Salary & Total Compensation Rankings Bay 10 Part-Time Salary & Total Compensation Rankings Statewide Part-Time Salary Rankings SMCCCD Overestimating Expenditures & Underestimating Revenue Bay 10 Binding Arbitration Survey Bay 10 Academic Freedom Survey Bay […]

March/April 2017

Posted March 21, 2017

March/April 2017 (pdf) In this issue: Negotiations Update: Some progress, but not enough District’s revenues continue healthy growth District spends less than 50% on faculty salaries Questioning CCCE Improvements in parental leave for faculty Monica Malamud testifies against ACCJC Faculty’s long commutes: Another perspective Unfair Labor Practice Complaint issued against District A plan to recollect […]

AFT 1493 Feb. 22, 2017 Board of Trustees presentation

Posted February 26, 2017

At the February 22, 2017 SMCCCD Board of Trustees meeting, Eric Brenner, Katharine Harer and John Calavitta presented a summary of, and quotes from, the 2013 AFT 1493 faculty workload survey.

February 2017

Posted February 13, 2017

February 2017 (pdf) In this issue: Negotiators back at the table Students walk out AFT 1493 supports student organizing Adjuncts need fair compensation SMCCCD faculty come out for Women’s Marches Know your Union, Know your Contract Adjuncts still eligible for unemployment In Memoriam: Joyce Unger AFT student scholarships Evaluations don’t improve teaching Pat Manning become […]

FACULTY MAKE SILENT STATEMENT AT BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING

Posted December 15, 2016

At the December 14 SMCCCD Board of Trustees meeting, about 25 – 30 faculty stood around the entire board room with signs saying: “We Deserve Respect“, “Fair Contract Now” and “We Are Waiting“. About a half dozen classified staff (CSEA members in blue shirts) also attended in support.

December 2016

Posted November 29, 2016

December 2016 (pdf) In this issue: “We Ask for Respect, Fair Treatment, and Dignity” How do our salaries compare statewide? Unfair Labor Practice Charge filed against District More faculty commuting longer distances Negotiations Update Fight for tenants’ rights continues in San Mateo  

NO TAKEBACKS TUESDAYS: WEAR YOUR AFT T-SHIRT

Posted November 20, 2016

WHAT:  Wear your AFT T-shirt WHEN:  Every Tuesday, starting Nov. 1, 2016 (contract settled and ratified September 2017) WHY:  Because we deserve a fair contract!

FACULTY TELL BOARD WHY WE DESERVE A FAIR CONTRACT

Posted November 10, 2016

More than 60 faculty members submitted brief statements to the AFT on why they believe we deserve a fair contract.  At the November 9 Board of Trustees meeting, AFT Past President Teeka James and Skyline faculty member Amber Steele read some of the statements and then submitted all of the statements to the Board on […]

TELL THE BOARD WHY YOU DESERVE A FAIR CONTRACT

Posted November 4, 2016

Until we win a fair contract, AFT 1493 will be speaking at every single Board of Trustees (BOT) meeting. The next BOT meeting is Wednesday, November 9, and we plan to deliver a fat stack of cards to the trustees with messages from faculty stating why we deserve a fair contract NOW. Write your message […]

November 2016

Posted October 26, 2016

November 2016 (pdf) In this issue: District sends misleading negotiations information to faculty;  AFT provides clarification Faculty comes out in force to demand a fair contract! The “responsible employee” and Title IX CFT recommendations for Nov. 8 election Cañada Faculty Fight for Tenant Protection Measure Susan Petit:  “There is life after CSM” College scholarships available […]

September 2016

Posted September 20, 2016

September 2016 (pdf) In this issue: Why We’re At Impasse & How You Can Help From SLOs to Assessment & Accountability Yes on Prop. 55! Studies find that student evaluations of faculty are unreliable Letter: Proposal to increase student evaluations is impractical Should non-tenured faculty serve on selection committees? Strategic Campaign Initiative Report New history […]

April 13, 2016

Posted May 25, 2016

San Mateo Community College Federation of Teachers, AFT 1493 Minutes of General Membership/Executive Committee Meeting April 13, 2016  – Cañada College EC members present: Najla Abrao, Eric Brenner, Victoria Clinton, Salumeh Eslamieh, Katharine Harer, Dan Kaplan (Exec. Secr.), Michelle Kern, Teeka James, Doniella Maher, Monica Malamud, Sandi Raeber-Dorsett, Joaquin Rivera, Paul Ruckhaus, Anne Stafford, Elizabeth […]

May 2016

Posted May 18, 2016

May 2016 (pdf) In this issue: The case for workload equity:  Five faculty members make presentations to the Board Chancellor Galatolo reports on ACCJC reform/replacement Gradual progress in contract negotiations New AFT 1493 leaders elected AFT 1493 opposes armed police on campus AFT 1493 Scholarship winners for 2016 Part-Timers eligible for unemployment benefits CSM celebrates […]

FACULTY SPEAK ON THE NEED FOR WORKLOAD EQUITY

Posted May 12, 2016

Five faculty members spoke at the May 11 SMCCCD Board of Trustees meeting on why there is such a strong need for workload equity in our district. About 55 faculty members attended the meeting to show their support for workload equity. You can view the presentations below: Sarah Harmon, Spanish, Academic Senate, Cañada (PT): Rebecca […]

March 9, 2016

Posted April 25, 2016

San Mateo Community College Federation of Teachers, AFT 1493 Minutes of General Membership/Executive Committee Meeting March 9, 2016  – College of San Mateo EC members present: Eric Brenner, Victoria Clinton, Salumeh Eslamieh, Steven Friedricks, Katharine Harer, Dan Kaplan (Exec. Secr.), Michelle Kern, Teeka James, Doniella Maher, Monica Malamud, Sandi Raeber-Dorsett, Joaquin Rivera, Paul Rueckhaus, Janice […]

April 2016

Posted April 13, 2016

April 2016 (pdf) In this issue: AFT and District present proposals for new 3-year contract Proposal to quantify and contain workload Overworkload: A constant stress in our lives Work or live?  Teachers should not have to choose CFT Convention inspires faculty AFT 1493 wins 10 statewide communications awards! Schools Our Children Deserve: unprecedented conference Campaign […]

AFT 1493 reps attend 2016 CFT Convention

Posted March 30, 2016

AFT 1493 reps (from left to right) Monica Malamud (AFT 1493 Secretary), Katharine Harer (AFT 1493 Co-Vice President), Michelle Kern (CSM Part-Timer Rep.), Teeka James (AFT 1493 President) and Nina Floro (Skyline, Convention Rep.) at a general session of the 2016 CFT Convention AFT 1493 reps (front row, from left to right) Dan Kaplan (AFT […]

February 17, 2016

Posted March 30, 2016

San Mateo Community College Federation of Teachers, AFT 1493 Minutes of General Membership/Executive Committee Meeting February 17, 2016  – Skyline College EC members present:  Najla Abrao, Eric Brenner, Victoria Clinton, Salumeh Eslamieh, Katharine Harer, Dan Kaplan (Exec. Secr.), Michelle Kern, Teeka James, Doniella Maher, Monica Malamud, Sandi Raeber-Dorsett, Joaquin Rivera, Janice Sapigao, Elizabeth Terzakis, Rob […]

AFT 1493 Complete Negotiations Proposals

Posted March 29, 2016

AFT 1493’s comprehensive proposals for the 2016-19 faculty contract were initially presented to District on February 17, 2016. Click here to see them. Click here to view AFT 1493’s specific proposals for Appendix D: Duties & Responsibilities, which include proposed language to quantify and limit “Other Professional Responsibilities”

Sign the initiative to extend Proposition 30

Posted March 28, 2016

Time is running out in the campaign to place a measure on November’s ballot that would extend Proposition 30.  Prop. 30 has been a game changer for public education in California.  The new ballot measure circulating will only ask to extend the top bracket income taxes for the very wealthy.  The revenue will help ensure […]

Support CSU Faculty Strikers April 13-15 and April 18-19

Posted March 25, 2016

The members of the California Faculty Association (CFA) at the California State University (CSU) system have voted overwhelmingly to strike from April 13-15 and April 18-19. The reason for this action is simple – CSU refuses to grant fair salary increases to its faculty. The CFA membership is taking this principled stand because: In 2008 […]

January 27, 2016

Posted March 2, 2016

San Mateo Community College Federation of Teachers, AFT 1493 Minutes of General Membership/Executive Committee Meeting January 27, 2016  – Cañada College EC members present: Najla Abrao, Eric Brenner, Vicki Clinton, Salumeh Eslamieh, Katharine Harer, Dan Kaplan (Exec. Secr.), Michelle Kern, Teeka James, Doniella Maher, Monica Malamud, Joaquin Rivera, Paul Rueckhaus, Janice Sapigao, Elizabeth Terzakis, Rob […]

February 2016

Posted February 18, 2016

February 2016 (pdf) In this issue: Revenues up, faculty % down Building union power Adjuncts feel full-timer/part-timer divide Questioning “supersized” class pay rates Friedrichs case: unions’ Citizens United? Faculty help in the community Strategic Campaign Initiative Update Run for AFT 1493 Rep Miles Myers at 1986 Flex Day

December 9, 2015

Posted February 8, 2016

San Mateo Community College Federation of Teachers, AFT 1493 Minutes of General Membership/Executive Committee Meeting December 9, 2015  – College of San Mateo EC members present: Najla Abrao, Eric Brenner, Vicki Clinton, Katharine Harer, Dan Kaplan (Exec. Secr.), Michelle Kern, Teeka James, Doniella Maher, Monica Malamud, Sandi Raeber-Dorsett, Joaquin Rivera, Paul Rueckhaus, Elizabeth Terzakis, Rob […]

2016 Negotiations Survey – We Need Your Input!

Posted December 10, 2015

Dear Colleagues, I know we’re all crazy busy, but I have a quick favor to ask you. Our entire contract is open in 2016 for renegotiation and your union needs you to help prioritize the issues we all want to address: health benefits, workload equity, office space, sabbaticals, and more. Please click here to fill out our brief […]

November 11, 2015

Posted December 10, 2015

San Mateo Community College Federation of Teachers, AFT 1493 Minutes of General Membership/Executive Committee Meeting November 11, 2015  – Skyline College EC members present: Najla Abrao, Eric Brenner, Vicki Clinton, Katharine Harer, Dan Kaplan (Exec. Secr.), Michelle Kern, Teeka James, Doniella Maher, Monica Malamud, Joaquin Rivera, Paul Rueckhaus, Janice Sapigao, Anne Stafford, Elizabeth Terzakis, Rob […]

December 2015

Posted December 3, 2015

December 2015 (pdf) In this issue: Union victory in Board of Trustees race! All-faculty meeting lays out a vision for Cañada New campaign to focus on “Workload Equity” From election victory to PTer medical stipends Remembering Filipino American labor history Evaluations of administrators should include feedback from all supervisees Emphasis on efficiency hurts students, programs

October 14, 2015

Posted November 16, 2015

San Mateo Community College Federation of Teachers, AFT 1493 Minutes of General Membership/Executive Committee Meeting October 14, 2015 – Cañada College EC members present: Najla Abrao, Eric Brenner, Vicki Clinton, Katharine Harer, Dan Kaplan (Exec. Sec.), Michelle Kern, Teeka James, Doniella Maher, Monica Malamud, Joaquin Rivera, Paul Rukhaus, Janice Sapigao, Elizabeth Terzakis, Shaye Zahedi Meeting […]

November 2015

Posted October 20, 2015

November 2015 (pdf) In this issue: AFT endorses Goodman, Mandelkern, Schwarz in Board Election Regular pay for flex days for part-time faculty Instructors take note:  Your profession is under attack Feet on the ground, working for Board candidates Dave Mandelkern: Board election statement Karen Schwarz: Board election statement New ballot initiatives to stabilize Calif. education […]

Nov. 2015 Advocate: The Retirees’ Voice

Posted October 20, 2015

THE RETIREES’ VOICE When I like an author, I read all of their books by John Kirk, CSM economics professor emeritus & member of DART (District Association of Retired Teachers) I began teaching at CSM in the Fall of 1969 and ended 42 years later in the Spring of 2011. Since that time, we have […]

November 2015 Advocate: Regular pay for flex days for part-timers

Posted October 20, 2015

ENFORCING THE CONTRACT Regular pay for flex days: Defending part-time faculty rights by Monica Malamud, AFT 1493 Negotiating Team Member After extended communications between the AFT and District administrators– including a Demand Letter from the Union’s attorney to the District–the District finally agreed, on October 2, to restore paying part-time faculty who are eligible for […]

September 9, 2015

Posted October 16, 2015

San Mateo Community College Federation of Teachers, AFT 1493 Minutes of General Membership/Executive Committee Meeting September 9, 2015 – CSM EC members present: Najla Abrao, Eric Brenner, Lin Bowie, Vicki Clinton, Sandi Dorsett, Dan Kaplan (Exec. Secr.), Michelle Kern, Teeka James, Doniella Maher, Monica Malamud, Joaquin Rivera, Paul Rukhaus, Janice Sapigao, Anne Stafford, Elizabeth Terzakis, […]

COME TO NEGOTIATIONS UPDATE MEETINGS OCT. 18, 19, 20

Posted October 15, 2015

Come to a meeting on your campus to learn about Fact Finding and hear the latest bargaining updates from our AFT Negotiating Team. CSM: Tuesday, October 18th, 3-4 pm, College Vista; RSVP: kern@aft1493.org Skyline: Wednesday, October 19th, 2-3 pm, Room 2306; RSVP: williams@aft1493.org Cañada: Thursday, October 20th, 3-4 pm, Cañada Vista; RSVP: naas@aft1493.org Stand up […]

EDUCATORS CHOICE ONLINE VOTER GUIDE

Posted October 15, 2015

Click here for CFT’s online election guide. Enter your home address to see both your polling location and all CFT-endorsed candidates and measures that will appear on your ballot.

Do you work with a community group in San Mateo County?

Posted October 10, 2015

Our union wants to connect with local organizations in San Mateo County in order to foster ties with people who are working to make our community better. If you are involved in any way with a community group in San Mateo County, please respond to our short survey by clicking here. We are looking for […]

September 2015

Posted September 22, 2015

September 2015 (pdf) In this issue: Tentative Agreement ratified: What’s next? Fight for better medical benefits for part-timers continues AFT 1493 endorses Maurice Goodman in Nov. Board election Strategic Campaign Initiative on the move Local makes plans for 2015-16 year A Dickensian retirement Resolution calls on ACCJC to grant CCSF full accreditation

May 13, 2015

Posted September 20, 2015

San Mateo Community College Federation of Teachers, AFT 1493 Minutes of General Membership/Executive Committee Meeting May 13, 2015 – Skyline EC members present: Najla Abrao, Eric Brenner, Lin Bowie, Vicki Clinton, Katharine Harer, Dan Kaplan (Exec. Secr.), Michelle Kern, Doniella Maher, Monica Malamud, Joaquin Rivera, Elizabeth Terzakis, Rob Williams, Shaye Zahedi AFT (non-EC) members:  Frank […]

New Agreement Ratified

Posted September 15, 2015

The tentative agreement (shown below) was ratified by faculty by a vote of 296 to 4, with 98.7% in favor of the changes. AFT LOCAL 1493 AND SAN MATEO COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT The parties agree to make changes to the current collective bargaining agreement as highlighted below with strikethroughs and additions of new language: […]

Vote on the Tentative Contract Agreement

Posted September 9, 2015

Vote on the Tentative Contract Agreement All faculty: You  should have received an email on Tuesday, 9/8, from AFT 1493 President Teeka James, with the subject “Invitation to vote for the 2015 AFT Contract”. Please click on the link on that email to vote on the following changes to the AFT-SMCCCD contract:  AFT LOCAL 1493 […]

Happy Labor Day!

Posted September 7, 2015

A quick video overview of California labor history: Video of the song Bread and Roses (sung by Judy Collins) inspired by a speech by Rose Schneiderman, immigrant, radical, labor and feminist leader. The song is especially associated with the successful strike by women textile workers in Lawrence, MA, in 1912:

Make it Fair California!

Posted August 20, 2015

Time to Close Corporate Loopholes, Invest in Public Education, and Rebuild California Make it Fair California is a new movement that aims to place a measure on the state ballot in November 2016 to close the corporate commercial property tax loopholes found in Prop. 13 so we can invest in strengthening our schools and other […]

Faculty to receive 4.78% salary increase!

Posted July 7, 2015

Based on the 3-year salary agreement negotiated by AFT 1493 for 2012-12 through 2015-16, all faculty salaries (full-time and part-time) will increase at the beginning of the fall 2015 semester by 4.78%! This is based on the following calculation: 2.0%, plus 60% of the increase of San Mateo County assessed property values, above 3%, will […]

Supreme Court to hear Friedrichs v. CTA

Posted June 30, 2015

Another potential blow to middle class in age of growing inequality The Supreme Court decided today to hear an anti-union lawsuit, Friedrichs v. CTA. Although the California Teachers Association (CTA) was named as the defendant, a ruling in the case will equally impact the California Federation of Teachers. Depending on whether the Court rules narrowly […]

The Friedrichs case: What you need to know

Posted May 22, 2015

In the U.S. Supreme Court case, Friedrichs v. California Teachers Association, a group of educators backed by a right-wing pressure group filed a lawsuit that has made its way to the highest court in America. It asks the court to decide whether public sector unions may continue to charge nonmembers a fee equal to the […]

April 8, 2015

Posted May 16, 2015

San Mateo Community College Federation of Teachers, AFT 1493 Minutes of General Membership/Executive Committee Meeting April 8, 2015 – Cañada EC members present: Najla Abrao, Eric Brenner, Vicki Clinton, Teeka James, Dan Kaplan (Exec. Secr.), Michelle Kern, Doniella Maher, Monica Malamud, Sandi Raeber-Dorsett, Joaquin Rivera, Paul Rueckhaus, Janice Sapigao, Anne Stafford, Rob Williams. AFT (non-EC) […]

May 2015

Posted May 6, 2015

May 2015 (pdf) In this issue: Progress in talks on health benefits for part-time faculty As tax revenues increase & more managers are hired, why are colleges cutting classes? “Overworkload” common among faculty CFT Convention: Warnings of attacks on public education & teachers’ unions CSM Ethnic Studies library dedicated to Rudy Lapp, CSM professor from […]

March 11, 2015

Posted April 9, 2015

San Mateo Community College Federation of Teachers, AFT 1493 Minutes of General Membership/Executive Committee Meeting March 11, 2015 – CSM EC members present: Lin Bowie, Eric Brenner, Vicki Clinton, Stephen Fredricks, Katharine Harer, Teeka James, Dan Kaplan (Exec. Secr.), Michelle Kern, Doniella Maher, Monica Malamud, Sandi Raeber-Dorsett, Joaquin Rivera, Paul Rueckhaus, Janice Sapigao, Elizabeth Terzakis, […]

April 2015

Posted April 1, 2015

The Advocate – 38.5 April 2015 (pdf) In this issue: Part-timer medical stipends: Faculty members tell their stories to the Board – View videos of faculty presentations to the Board on the inadequacy of the current part-timer medical stipends How to get to real equity for part-time faculty Why I decided to retire in disappointment after […]

Faculty Speak on the Need for Improved Health Benefits for Part-Timers

Posted March 26, 2015

Five faculty members– two full-timers, three part-timers–made presentations to the Board of Trustees at the March 25 Board meeting. View the presentations below. See a comparison of part-time faculty health benefits in “Bay 10” community college districts.     Links to YouTube videos: Paul Rueckhaus, Skyline College, full-time health sciences instructor Jennifer Mair, Skyline College, […]

February 18, 2015

Posted March 14, 2015

San Mateo Community College Federation of Teachers, AFT 1493 Minutes of General Membership/Executive Committee Meeting Wednesday, February 18, 2015, at Skyline College EC members present: Najla Abrao, Eric Brenner, Vicki Clinton, Katharine Harer, Teeka James, Dan Kaplan (Exec. Secr.), Michelle Kern, Doniella Maher, Monica Malamud, Sandi Raeber-Dorsett, Joaquin Rivera, Paul Rueckhaus, Elizabeth Terzakis, Rob Williams, Shaye […]

Part-Time Faculty: Don’t Get Sick!

Posted March 10, 2015

Join us at the March 25th Board of Trustees meeting to support more reasonable health benefits for part-timers Save the date: Wednesday, March 25th, 6:00 pm, District Office Board Room Faculty colleagues, Do you feel that $600 per semester is an adequate sum of money to help adjunct faculty pay for medical expenses?  Here are […]

February 2015

Posted February 18, 2015

The Advocate – 38.4 February 2015 (pdf) In this issue: Part-Timer Medical Stipend Survey Should adjuncts get priority in full-time hiring? Student Success: By Any Means Necessary? Next year’s salary increase may be 3.3% Shaking things up in AFT 1493 In Memoriam: Irv Witt For a free higher education Repeatability restrictions hurt CTE programs

January 28, 2015

Posted February 18, 2015

  San Mateo Community College Federation of Teachers, AFT 1493 Minutes of General Membership/Executive Committee Meeting Wednesday, January 28, 2015, at Skyline College EC members present:  Najla Abrao, Lin Bowie, Eric Brenner, Vicki Clinton, Stephen Fredricks, Katharine Harer, Teeka James, Dan Kaplan (Exec. Secr.), Michelle Kern, Doniella Maher, Monica Malamud, Joaquin Rivera, Paul Rueckhaus, Anne Stafford, […]

Part-Time Faculty Medical Stipend Survey

Posted February 18, 2015

Results of the Adjunct Medical Stipend Survey As part of a new campaign to advocate for expanded health benefits for part-time faculty, Local 1493 distributed an online survey to all part-time faculty in the District to gauge the usefulness of the current stipend.  This survey was timed to gather feedback for contract negotiations. The survey […]

December 10, 2014

Posted January 29, 2015

San Mateo Community College Federation of Teachers, AFT 1493 Minutes of General Membership/Executive Committee Meeting Wednesday, December 10, 2014, at CSM EC members present:  Eric Brenner, Vicki Clinton, Salumeh Eslamieh, Stephen Fredricks, Katharine Harer, Teeka James, Dan Kaplan (Exec. Secr.), Michelle Kern, Doniella Maher, Monica Malamud, Sandi Raeber-Dorsett, Joaquin Rivera, Paul Rueckhaus, Shaye Sahedi, Janice Sapigao, […]

Sept. 2014 Advocate – AFT survey of deans & managers to be continued

Posted December 17, 2014

EVALUATION OF ADMINISTRATORS AFT survey of deans & managers leads to District commitment to continue practice at all colleges  Many of you have told us that you were grateful to have the opportunity to evaluate your deans and managers last spring. Here’s some history and a report on the All-District Faculty Survey of Deans and […]

November 12, 2014

Posted December 15, 2014

San Mateo Community College Federation of Teachers, AFT 1493 Minutes of General Membership/Executive Committee Meeting Wednesday, November 12, 2014, at Skyline EC members present:  Vicki Clinton, Salumeh Eslamieh, Stephen Fredricks, Katharine Harer, Teeka James, Dan Kaplan (Exec. Secr.), Michelle Kern, Doniella Maher, Monica Malamud, Sandi Raeber-Dorsett, Joaquin Rivera, Paul Rueckhaus, Shaye Sahedi, Janice Sapigao, Elizabeth Terzakis, […]

December 2014

Posted December 8, 2014

The Advocate – 38.3 December 2014 (pdf) In this issue: Statewide Senate critiques ACCJC Repeatability restrictions hurt students Negotiations Update Board wants to increase reserve fund Board urges more funding for adjuncts Should District adjuncts get hiring priority? New AFT 1493 Exec. Committee Reps. AFTers welcome new faculty

October 8, 2014

Posted November 21, 2014

  San Mateo Community College Federation of Teachers, AFT 1493 Minutes of General Membership/Executive Committee Meeting Wednesday, October 8, 2014, at CSM EC members present:  Eric Brenner, Vicki Clinton, Salumeh Eslamieh, Stephen Fredricks, Katharine Harer, Teeka James, Dan Kaplan (Exec. Secr.), Doniella Maher, Monica Malamud, Sandi Raeber-Dorsett, Joaquin Rivera, Paul Rueckhaus, Janice Sapigao, Elizabeth Terzakis, […]

ACCJC on trial

Posted November 1, 2014

“This Case is About Fairness” The lawsuit filed by SF City Attorney Dennis Herrera, against the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, went to trial on Monday, Oct. 27. Five days of testimony revealed some of the failures of the commission to follow its own policies and the laws that govern accreditation.

November 2014

Posted October 22, 2014

The Advocate – 38.2 November 2014 (pdf) In this issue: Union recommendations for November 4th ballot Adjunct’s views on applying for full-time jobs Introducing new Executive Committee members Joe McDonough AFT Social Justice Scholarship DART hikes in Peninsula watershed Book review: Degrees of Inequality

New Evaluation Procedures Ratified

Posted September 23, 2014

Below are links to all of the documents developed by the Performance Evaluation Task Force (PETF) which were ratified by faculty in September 2014 to replace the previous Appendix G articles. Evaluation Procedures A. Tenured Tenure Track and Adjunct Faculty B. Faculty Coordinators C. Counselors D. Librarians E. Nurses or Other Healthcare Providers F. Evaluation […]

September 2014

Posted September 22, 2014

The Advocate – 38.1 September 2014 (pdf) In this issue: AFT survey of deans & managers leads to District commitment to continue practice Our 3.69% pay raise beats price increases What is the purpose of our work? District responds to letter on treatment of part-timers in full-time hiring Flex = flexible: Flex days and part-time faculty Decision […]

Previous Contract Proposals

Posted August 30, 2014

AFT 1493 Proposals for the 2009-2012 Contract of Academic Employees in the San Mateo County Community College District Presented to the District, July 2009 Article 2: Organizational Rights Add to 2.1: Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Union shall have the right to distribute, using its own personnel, Union newsletters to faculty boxes, without reservation. Article 5: […]

Vergara decision will not stand

Posted June 12, 2014

From: Bob Bezemek, Attorney for AFT Local 1493 Date: June 11, 2011 The decision issued by a L.A. Superior Court judge in Vergara v. State of California, striking down California’s tenure, layoff, due process and seniority laws for K-12 teachers, will not stand. It is a product of right-wing ideology, rather than Constitutional law and […]

April 23, 2014

Posted May 28, 2014

San Mateo Community College Federation of Teachers, AFT 1493 Minutes of General Membership/Executive Committee Meeting Wednesday, April 23, 2014, at CSM     AFT EC Members Present: Eric Brenner, Vicki Clinton, Salumeh Eslamieh, Katharine Harer, Teeka James, Dan Kaplan (Exec. Sec.), Michelle Kern, Monica Malamud, Sandi Raeber-Dorsett, Joaquin Rivera, Anne Stafford, Elizabeth Terzakis Meeting began […]

May 2014 Advocate – Survey to Evaluate Deans

Posted April 28, 2014

Take AFT 1493’s Survey to Evaluate Deans All faculty members have received a new survey designed by the union that gives instructors the opportunity to evaluate deans.  The survey is anonymous and provides a safe tool for faculty to register their satisfaction, and dissatisfaction, with their managers in specific targeted areas.  We urge you to […]

May 2014

Posted April 28, 2014

The Advocate – 37.6 May 2014 (pdf) In this issue: Board resolution critiques ACCJC Survey to Evaluate Deans CFT Convention report: “Solution-driven & Bad-ass In-house adjuncts need not apply Part-timers eligible for unemployment Skyline faculty gather to honor part-timers AFT 1493 awards scholarships Faculty unions support student organizers AFT 1493 launches Facebook page Adjunct Action Bay Area […]

Distance Education MOU

Posted June 25, 2013

MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDINGBETWEEN AMERICAN FEDERATION OF TEACHERS, LOCAL 1493 ANDSAN MATEO COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT September 12, 2008 DISTANCE EDUCATION   Expanding student access, program need and faculty desire and preparation to teach a distance education course shall be the primary determining factors when the College decides to offer a course through distance education. There […]

April 9, 2014

Posted May 5, 2014

  San Mateo Community College Federation of Teachers, AFT 1493 Minutes of General Membership/Executive Committee Meeting Wednesday, April 9, 2014, at Cañada College     AFT EC Members Present: Eric Brenner, Vicki Clinton, Salumeh Eslamieh, Nina Floro, Katharine Harer, Teeka James, Dan Kaplan (Exec. Secr.), Michelle Kern, Monica Malamud, Sandi Raeber-Dorsett, Joaquin Rivera, Janice Sapigao, […]

May 2014 Advocate – AFT 1493 awards scholarships

Posted April 28, 2014

AFT 1493 awards two $1000 scholarships The second annual recipients of the AFT Local 1493 scholarships have just been determined by the AFT selection committee, which consisted of Teeka James, AFT President, Lezlee Ware, Cañada Chapter Co-Chair, Dan Kaplan, AFT 1493 Executive Secretary, Salumeh Eslamieh, Cañada Executive Committee Rep, and Doniella Maher, Cañada part-time English […]

April 2014

Posted March 19, 2014

  The Advocate – 37.5April 2014 (pdf) In this issue: Skyline’s new media policy restricts employees’ right to free speech PETF’s revision of faculty evaluation documents almost complete New AFT 1493 leaders to be elected in April CFT releases statewide part-time faculty salary study AFT 1493 hosts get-togethers to meet and greet part-timers AFT 1493 supports reform […]

AFT 1493 celebrates 50th anniversary!

Posted December 10, 2013

AFT Local 1493 turned 50 years old in November 2013 and the Local held a 50th Anniversary party on November 15, 2013 at the Cañada Vista Clubhouse, that brought together faculty and union activists from every decade from 1963 to 2013. Read the full story here.               

In the News

Posted December 28, 2012

News articles related to community college faculty issues and SMCCCD, selected from around the county, state and nation and updated regularly.  To receive these articles by email, send a request to be added to the AFT 1493 email list to Dan Kaplan at: kaplan@smccd.edu. January 29, 2013— Community colleges reject charge of excessive faculty power […]

Performance Evaluation Task Force (PETF)

Posted November 20, 2012

The Performance Evaluation Task Force (PETF) was formed at the end of the Spring 2012 semester to review, evaluate, and revise the procedures and instruments currently in use for all levels of instructional and non-instructional faculty evaluation. Elizabeth Terzakis (English, Cañada), Lezlee Ware (Political Science, Cañada), Nina L. Floro (English, Skyline) and Tania Beliz (Biology, […]

New AFT 1493 Leaders Elected

Posted May 16, 2014

New officers were elected as AFT Local 1493 leaders for the 2014-2016 academic years. Click here to see the election results.

March 12, 2014

Posted May 5, 2014

  San Mateo Community College Federation of Teachers, AFT 1493 Minutes of General Membership/Executive Committee Meeting Wednesday, March 12, 2014, at College of San Mateo   Present: Salumeh Eslamieh, Lin Bowie, Janice Sapagio, Joaquin Rivera, Nina Floro, Katharine Harer, Michelle Kern, Teeka James, Sandi Raeber-Dorsett, Vicki Clinton, Dan Kaplan, Eric Brenner Guests: Zev Kvitky, Doniella […]

May 2014 Advocate – AFT 1493 elections

Posted April 28, 2014

  Vote for new AFT 1493 leaders by May 5   As all members of AFT Local 1493 should know, we are in the middle of the election process for determining the next elected leadership of the Local, and who will be on the AFT 1493 Executive Committee for 2014-2016. This election is being conducted using […]

February 2014

Posted February 5, 2014

The Advocate – 37.4February 2014 (pdf) In this issue: ACCJC not showing openness to input in development of new accreditation standards Project Change at CSM: First program in county to bridge gap from incarceration to higher education Quality Public Education: Local AFT 1493 Launches New Campaign What now for City College of San Francisco after […]

Front page stories

Posted July 13, 2013

In the News  |  New AFT 1493 Leaders Elected  |  Statewide study ranks adjunct pay rates  |  AFT 1493 celebrates 50th anniversary |  AFT & District Reach Tentative Contract Agreement  |  Text of Tentative Contract Agreement  |  “ACCJC Gone Wild”: CFT critiques the accreditors  |  AFT 1493 President Addresses the ACCJC  |  Performance Evaluation Task Force (PETF)  |  […]

Current Advocate

Posted October 26, 2010

AFT and District negotiators to bring in mediator

Sabbatical Program Overview

Posted January 27, 2010

The AFT Negotiating Team won a major victory for full-time faculty in the 2002 contract settlement: the permanent reinstatement of a Sabbatical Leave program (officially called Extended Professional Development Leave), one option under the Professional Development Program. Application forms must be submitted to the office of the Vice President of Instruction on each campus by February […]

In the News: January – March 2014

Posted May 5, 2014

News articles related to community college faculty issues and SMCCCD, selected from around the county, state and nation and updated regularly.  To receive these articles by email, send a request to be added to the AFT 1493 email list to Dan Kaplan at: kaplan@aft1493.org. March 19, 2014— College backs off on faculty media silence: Skyline school officials […]

February 12, 2014

Posted May 5, 2014

San Mateo Community College Federation of Teachers, AFT 1493 Minutes of General Membership/Executive Committee Meeting Wednesday, February 12, 2014, at Skyline College AFT EC Members Present: Eric Brenner, Vicki Clinton, Salumeh Eslamieh, Nina Floro, Katharine Harer, Teeka James, Dan Kaplan (Exec. Secr.), Michelle Kern, Monica Malamud, Sandi Raeber-Dorsett, Joaquin Rivera, Janice Sapigao, Anne Stafford, Elizabeth Terzakis. […]

May 2014 Advocate – Faculty Unions Support Student Organizers

Posted April 28, 2014

UNIONS AND COMMUNITY Faculty Unions Support Student Organizers  by Cynthia Kaufman, Director, Institute of Community and Civic Engagement, De Anza College  There is something very exciting happening in some faculty unions in California: Engaging students as organizers. Starting in 2007, the California Faculty Association, faculty union for the California State University System has had a […]

December 2013

Posted December 10, 2013

The Advocate – 37.3December 2013 (pdf) In this issue: Two Generations of Adjunct Professors Explore Covered California Statewide Academic Senate calls on ACCJC to improve processes CSM Senate opposes ACCJC’s decision to revoke CCSF’s accreditation AFT 1493 celebrates 50th anniversary with music, food and camaraderie Introducing Skyline’s new AFT 1493 Part-Timer Reps: Paul Rueckhaus and […]

E-News: AFT & District Reach Tentative Contract Agreement

Posted September 23, 2013

9-19-2013 Dear Colleagues, I have exciting news: Your AFT negotiating team and the District have reached a Tentative Agreement on a new faculty contract that includes salary increases for all faculty!

Survey to Evaluate Deans

Posted April 28, 2014

Take AFT 1493’s Survey to Evaluate Deans All faculty members have received a new survey designed by the union that gives instructors the opportunity to evaluate deans.  The survey is anonymous and provides a safe tool for faculty to register their satisfaction, and dissatisfaction, with their managers in specific targeted areas.  We urge you to respond to the survey and to […]

May 2014 Advocate – Higher education conference

Posted April 28, 2014

HIGHER EDUCATION ISSUES National conference looks at wide range of issues around collective bargaining in higher education by Monica Malamud, Cañada, AFT 1493 Secretary I attended the 41st Annual Conference organized by the National Center for the Study of Collective Bargaining in Higher Education and the Professions, held at Hunter College, City University of New […]

January 15, 2014

Posted February 26, 2014

  San Mateo Community College Federation of Teachers, AFT 1493 Minutes of General Membership/Executive Committee Meeting Wednesday, January 15, 2014, at Cañada College EC Members Present: Eric Brenner, Vicki Clinton, Salumeh Eslamieh, Nina Floro, Katharine Harer, Teeka James, Dan Kaplan (Exec. Secr.), Michelle Kern, Monica Malamud, Sandi Raeber-Dorsett, Anne Stafford, Elizabeth Terzakis.   AFT (non-EC) Members Present:  […]

November 2013

Posted October 24, 2013

The Advocate – 37.2 November 2013 In this issue: Eight Days a Week: report on the AFT 1493 Workload Survey Open Forum on CCSF accreditation struggle at CSM on Oct. 28; Speakers to include Ron Galatolo Galatolo sends formal critiques of ACCJC to the U.S. Dept. of Ed. AFT 1493 supports CCSF in their struggle to […]

AFT 1493 President Addresses the ACCJC

Posted June 19, 2013

In July of 2012, the ACCJC (Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges) asked City College of San Francisco (CCSF) to “show cause” to keep its accreditation. Their complaints were about financial planning, management, and documentation of assessment; they were not about the quality of education or teachers. City College faculty, staff and administrators, along […]

May 2014 Advocate – Adjunct Action Bay Area

Posted April 28, 2014

PART TIMER ORGANIZING SEIU launches Adjunct Action Bay Area by Doniella Maher, Cañada College, English On March 22nd, adjunct instructors from across the Bay Area came together to discuss issues facing part-timers who have increased significantly in relationship to their full time counterparts in colleges across the nation over the last 30 years. Adjunct Action […]

The Fight for Fair Accreditation

Posted April 25, 2014

A six minute video on the epic battle by AFT 2121 and CFT to save City College of San Francisco from the out of control ACCJC. It is a brief primer on what has happened there, and explains its significance for fair accreditation practices across the state.  

December 11, 2013

Posted February 14, 2014

  San Mateo Community College Federation of Teachers, AFT 1493 Minutes of General Membership/Executive Committee Meeting Wednesday, December 11, 2013, at CSM EC Members Present: Eric Brenner, Victoria Clinton, Salumeh Eslamieh, Katharine Harer, Teeka James, Dan Kaplan, Michelle Kern, Sandi Raeber Dorsett, Joaquin Rivera, Anne Stafford, Elizabeth Terzakis Meeting started: 2:45 Facilitator: Katharine Harer 1. […]

October 2013

Posted October 1, 2013

The Advocate – 37.1October 2013 In this issue: Faculty vote to support new contract by over 98% Adjuncts are being excluded from loan forgiveness program Academic Senates need to highlight colleges’ positive roles AFT 1493 endorses Richard Holober and Tom Mohr for Board Long-time AFT 1493 activist Chip Chandler steps down District makes deal to […]

March in March: Somos el Futuro

Posted April 6, 2010

Somos el Futuro: Voices from the March in March in Sacramento by Katharine Harer, AFT 1493 Co Vice President, Skyline College, English Skyline students and faculty showed up in force for the March in March on Monday the 22nd.   The Skyline Against Cuts group brought their huge homemade banner, carried proudly in the March 4th […]

May 2014 Advocate – Peninsula Watershed hike

Posted April 28, 2014

RETIREES DART invites retired and current faculty for June 28 hike in Peninsula Watershed by John Searle, DART President DART (the District Association of Retired Teachers) is planning a group hike in the Peninsula Watershed area, which has limited access controlled by the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission. We invite current faculty as well as […]

November 13, 2013

Posted February 14, 2014

  San Mateo Community College Federation of Teachers, AFT 1493 Minutes of General Membership/Executive Committee Meeting Wednesday, November 13, 2013, at Skyline College EC Members Present:Lin Bowie, Salumeh Eslamieh, Eric Brenner, Anne Stafford, Teeka James, Nina Floro, Joaquin Rivera, Katharine Harer, Sandi Raeber-Dorsett, Vicki Clinton, Paul Reukhaus, Dan Kaplan Guests: Zev Kvitky, Tom Broxholm NON-AGENDA […]

May 2013

Posted May 9, 2013

The Advocate – 36.6 May 2013 In this issue: Special focus on MOOCs: Report: District Senate forum on MOOCs Background: MOOCs: For teaching or for profit? Opinion: Not Enough Ado about MOOCs Contract negotiations under way for 2013-2014 PETF report: SLOs & distance ed. courses President’s View: Administrators should be evaluated by faculty CFT Convention highlights community […]

Cañada March 4 Day of Action

Posted March 16, 2010

Cañada students walk out! text and photos by Elizabeth Terzakis, Professor, Cañada College, English Two hundred Cañada College students walked out of class on March 4th and gathered in the campus quad for a speakout against budget cuts. The college’s budget was cut by 10 percent in the last year, leading to the cancellation of […]

May 2014 Advocate – CSM Veterans get support at Resource Center

Posted April 28, 2014

HIGHLIGHTING CAMPUS PROGRAMS CSM Veterans get support at Resource Center  by Rose Garcia, CSM Veterans Resource Coordinator My name is Rose Garcia. I am the Veterans Resource Coordinator here at the College of San Mateo. I fell into this position and it has changed my life. I love working with the Veteran students here on […]

In the News: Aug13 – Feb14

Posted March 21, 2014

News articles related to community college faculty issues and SMCCCD, selected from around the county, state and nation and updated regularly.  To receive these articles by email, send a request to be added to the AFT 1493 email list to Dan Kaplan at: kaplan@aft1493.org. February 7, 2014— 3 new CCSF administrators earn more than approved pay rate (San […]

October 21, 2013

Posted January 30, 2014

  San Mateo Community College Federation of Teachers, AFT 1493 Minutes of General Membership/Executive Committee Meeting Wednesday, October 21, 2013, at Skyline College EC Members Present:Eric Brenner, Victoria Clinton, Salumeh Eslamieh, Katharine Harer, Teeka James, Dan Kaplan, Michelle Kern, Joaquin Rivera, Anne Stafford Other Attendees:Zev Kvitky (CFT Field Rep) Meeting began: 2:30 Facilitator: Katharine Harer […]

March 2013

Posted April 29, 2013

The Advocate – 36.5March 2013 In this issue: The Affordable Care Act and SMCCCD faculty Workload survey: data analysis begins Help improve the contract for part-time faculty CSM Academic Senate report Keep KCSM-TV in public hands Confronting the “New Normal”: Corporatization ACCJC’s controversial record under Beno Retiree’s group planning three social events

Skyline March 4 Day of Action

Posted March 16, 2010

Skyline Students Walk Out! by Masao Suzuki, Professor, Skyline College, Economics On Thursday, March 4th, hundreds of Skyline College students left class and gathered on the campus quad for their Day of Action protest against budget cuts.  After a short song, Skyline Against Cuts leader Michelle Araica led off the march.  As student marshals held […]

May 2014 Advocate – Skyline faculty gather to honor part-timers

Posted April 28, 2014

PART TIMERS Skyline faculty gather to honor part-timers and discuss how to improve their work lives by Janice Sapigao, Skyline Part-Timer Representative On Thursday, March 20th, 2014, the AFT 1493 Skyline College Chapter hosted “A Party to Celebrate Part-Time Faculty: Pizza, Prizes & Parity.” Over forty part-time and full-time faculty members gathered intermittently to honor […]

In the News – Archives

Posted February 5, 2014

News articles related to community college faculty issues and SMCCCD, selected from around the county, state and nation and updated regularly. To receive these articles by email, send a request to be added to the AFT 1493 email list to Dan Kaplan at: kaplan@aft1493.org July 31, 2013— U.S. Higher-Education System Perpetuates White Privilege, Report Says (Chronicle of […]

October 9, 2013

Posted January 30, 2014

  San Mateo Community College Federation of Teachers, AFT 1493 Minutes of General Membership/Executive Committee Meeting Wednesday, October 9, 2013, at Cañada College EC members present: Lin Bowie, Zev Kvitsky, Eric Brenner, Nina Floro, Michelle Kern, Sandi Raeber-Dorsett, Vicki Clinton, Elizabeth Terzakis, Teeka James, Dan Kaplan, Paul Reuckhaus   1. Welcome and introductions (we all know each […]

CSM March 4 Day of Action

Posted February 24, 2010

Educating the Whole Student: March 4 at CSM by Susan Petit, professor emeritus, CSM, English & French CSM’s stimulating March 4 “March Forth” activities, called “A Call to Action: Educating the Whole Student,” focused on advocacy, student support services, and some of the academic areas most heavily threatened by budget cuts. The CSM Theatre and […]

May 2014 Advocate – CFT Convention

Posted April 28, 2014

 “Solution-Driven & Bad Ass”: A report from the 72nd CFT Statewide Convention By Katharine Harer, Co-Vice President, AFT 1493 Are conservative forces hell-bent to “Wisconsonize” the rest of the country?  Will STRS run out of money for teachers’ pensions?  Are the changes in Repeatability Standards taking the community out of community colleges?  These are just a […]

September 11, 2013

Posted January 30, 2014

  San Mateo Community College Federation of Teachers, AFT 1493 Minutes of General Membership/Executive Committee Meeting Wednesday, September 11, 2013, at CSM EC members present: Lin Bowie, Eric Brenner, Victoria Clinton, Sandi Raeber Dorsett, Salumeh Eslamieh, Katharine Harer, Teeka James, Dan Kaplan, Michelle Kern, Joaquin Rivera, Anne Stafford, Masao Suzuki, Elizabeth Terzakis, Lezlee Ware Other Attendees: Tania […]

February 2013

Posted April 29, 2013

The Advocate – 36.4February 2013 In this issue: Faculty participation vital on workload survey Part-time faculty focus groups to gather input on part-timers’ concerns Opinion: MOOCs are wrong product for community colleges Academic calendar set for 2013-14 Performance Evaluation Task Force update AFT 1493 to fund two student scholarships Questions growing about ACCJC’s processes & accountability […]

May 2014 Advocate – Letter to the Advocate

Posted April 28, 2014

LETTER TO THE ADVOCATE Full-time Position Open: In-house Adjuncts Need Not Apply The author of the following letter wished to remain anonymous. -Ed. I’d like to share with you the unfair hiring practices that we have witnessed over the past several years.  Within the last year alone, we have seen a number of longtime Skyline […]

Chancellor Galatolo speaks out on ACCJC

Posted November 1, 2013

San Mateo Community College District Chancellor Ron Galatolo has recently spoken out publicly on the issue of the actions of the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC)–which has sanctioned about 45% of the colleges it has reviewed in the last year and has announced that they will terminate City College of San Francisco’s accreditation […]

May 1, 2013

Posted May 9, 2013

San Mateo Community College Federation of Teachers, AFT 1493 Minutes of General Membership/Executive Committee Meeting Wednesday, May 1, 2013, at CSM   EC members present: Eric Brenner, Chip Chandler, Vicki Clinton, Salumeh Eslamieh, Katharine Harer, Teeka James, Dan Kaplan (Exec. Secr.), Monica Malamud, Sarah Powers, Sandi Raeber-Dorsett, Joaquin Rivera, Anne Stafford, Rebecca Webb. AFT (non-EC) […]

Documents on SLOs and Accreditation

Posted January 12, 2010

The documents below involve challenges to Accreditation Standard III.A.1.c of the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC.) Standard III.A.1.c mandates that student learning outcomes (SLOs) be a component of faculty evaluation. At the Fall 2008 Plenary of the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges (Nov. 8, 2008), the Senate leaders adopted a resolution […]

May 2014 Advocate – AFT 1493 launches Facebook page

Posted April 28, 2014

AFT 1493 COMMUNICATIONS  AFT 1493 launches Facebook page by Michelle Kern, CSM Part-Timer Rep. Continuing its tradition of excellence in communications, AFT 1493 is rolling out a new venture in social media, a Facebook page, located at facebook.com/AFT1493  The Facebook page will a be place for the union’s membership and for members of the public […]

Contract Agreement

Posted September 23, 2013

Summary of September 2013 Agreement between AFT Local 1493 and San Mateo County Community College District

April 10, 2013

Posted May 9, 2013

San Mateo Community College Federation of Teachers, AFT 1493 Minutes of General Membership/Executive Committee Meeting Wednesday, April 10, 2013, at Cañada College EC members present: Eric Brenner, Chip Chandler, Vicki Clinton, Salumeh Eslamieh, Nina Floro, Katharine Harer, Teeka James, Dan Kaplan(Exec. Secr.), Michelle Kern, Monica Malamud, Sandi Raeber-Dorsett, Joaquin Rivera, Anne Stafford, Lezlee Ware, Rebecca […]

December 2012

Posted December 5, 2012

The Advocate – 36.3December 2012 In this issue: AFTers’ campaigning contributes to historic victories in Calif. elections Democracy in action in CSM’s Building 10 “Guerilla” tablers reach Skyline students Dems’ supermajority provides historic opportunity to reverse austerity budget Introducing Salumeh Eslamieh, Cañada’s new Executive Committe Rep. Join AFT’s COPE to help elect faculty-friendly Board members KCSM […]

May 2014 Advocate – Part-timers eligible for unemployment

Posted April 28, 2014

PART TIMERS Part-time faculty eligible for unemployment insurance benefits during summer breaks All part-time faculty members should remember that you are eligible for unemployment compensation benefits during the summer break (and over the winter break), unless you are working another job over the summer or between semesters and you are earning more than your unemployment […]

AFT 1493 President Addresses the ACCJC

Posted June 19, 2013

In July of 2012, the ACCJC (Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges) asked City College of San Francisco (CCSF) to “show cause” to keep its accreditation. Their complaints were about financial planning, management, and documentation of assessment; they were not about the quality of education or teachers. City College faculty, staff and administrators, along […]

March 20, 2013

Posted May 4, 2013

San Mateo Community College Federation of Teachers, AFT 1493 Minutes of General Membership/Executive Committee Meeting Wednesday, March 20, 2013, at Skyline College EC members present: Eric Brenner, Chip Chandler, Vicki Clinton, Salumeh Eslamieh, Katharine Harer, Teeka James, Dan Kaplan (Exec. Secr.), Michelle Kern, Monica Malamud, Sarah Powers, Sandi Raeber-Dorsett, Joaquin Rivera, Anne Stafford, Masao Suzuki, […]

May 2014 Advocate – Board resolution expresses concern about ACCJC

Posted April 28, 2014

ACCREDITING COMMISSION Board passes resolution expressing concern about ACCJC’s “overly punitive” sanctions and calling for “a more collaborative spirit” Our District Board of Trustees unanimously passed a resolution, at their March 26th meeting, that expressed “its deep concern over the adversarial nature of the relationships between Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) and […]

March 13, 2013

Posted April 29, 2013

San Mateo Community College Federation of Teachers, AFT 1493 Minutes of General Membership/Executive Committee Meeting Wednesday, March 13, 2013, at CSM   EC members present: Eric Brenner, Chip Chandler, Vicki Clinton, Salumeh Eslamieh, Nina Floro, Teeka James, Dan Kaplan (Exec. Secr.), Michelle Kern, Monica Malamud, Sarah Powers, Sandi Raeber-Dorsett, Joaquin Rivera, Anne Stafford, Elizabeth Terzakis, […]

April 2014 – DART planning two events

Posted March 19, 2014

Retirees DART planning two events for retirees & faculty by John Searle, DART President The District Association of Retired Teachers (commonly referred to as DART) is planning two events for the coming six months. We invite current faculty as well as retired faculty to join us for these events. The first is a hike in […]

February 13, 2013

Posted April 29, 2013

San Mateo Community College Federation of Teachers, AFT 1493 Minutes of General Membership/Executive Committee Meeting Wednesday, February 13, 2013, at Skyline College EC members present: Chip Chandler, Vicki Clinton, Salumeh Eslamieh, Nina Floro, Katharine Harer, Teeka James, Dan Kaplan (Exec. Secr.), Michelle Kern, Monica Malamud, Sarah Powers, Sandi Raeber-Dorsett, Joaquin Rivera, Anne Stafford, Elizabeth Terzakis, […]

October 2012

Posted October 27, 2012

The Advocate – 36.2October 2012 In this issue: Part-time faculty looking for “parity” with comparable full-time pay rates CFT recommendations for California state ballot propositions AFTer’s email prompts criminal investigation Lessons of the Chicago teachers’ strike Performance Evaluation Task Force begins work Introducing new Executive Committee members Lin Bowie and Sarah Powers Daughter of CSM instructor […]

April 2014 Advocate – Letter to the Advocate

Posted March 19, 2014

LETTER TO THE ADVOCATE Appreciating the information on unemployment benefits Thank you for the ongoing helpful information you share with the CSM faculty, particularly the Adjunct community, who may not be included in all messages/events. I am in my 6th year as an Adjunct at CSM and after I saw your note about filing for […]

January 16, 2013

Posted April 29, 2013

San Mateo Community College Federation of Teachers, AFT 1493 Minutes of General Membership/Executive Committee Meeting Wednesday, January 16, 2013, at Cañada College EC members present: Lin Bowie, Eric Brenner, Chip Chandler, Vicki Clinton, Salumeh Eslamieh, Nina Floro, Katharine Harer, Teeka James, Dan Kaplan (Exec. Secr.), Michelle Kern, Monica Malamud, Sarah Powers, Sandi Raeber-Dorsett, Joaquin Rivera, […]

DART planning two events

Posted March 19, 2014

Retirees   DART planning two events for retirees & faculty by John Searle, DART President The District Association of Retired Teachers (commonly referred to as DART) is planning two events for the coming six months. We invite current faculty as well as retired faculty to join us for these events. The first is a hike in […]

December 12, 2012

Posted April 29, 2013

San Mateo Community College Federation of Teachers, AFT 1493 Minutes of General Membership/Executive Committee Meeting Wednesday, December 12, 2012, at CSM, Building 10, Room 468 (College Heights Conference Room) EC Members Present: Lin Bowie, Teeka James, Anne Stafford, Eric Brenner, Lezlee Ware, Masao Suzuki, Rebecca Webb, Vicky Clinton, Sandi Raeber-Dorsett, Michelle Kern, Dan Kaplan, Nina […]

Faculty Workload Survey

Posted April 29, 2013

Your union needs to hear from you about your workload—specifically, about what your job entails and how long it takes you to do it. Please click here to complete our user-friendly faculty workload survey. The information we gather from your survey responses will help us to: create a salary schedule for part-time faculty that will […]

September 2012

Posted September 20, 2012

The Advocate – 36.1 September 2012 In this issue: Contract settlement and ratification vote: two huge successes for the union Goal: Raise all salaries to top 3 or 4 in Bay 10 “ACCJC Gone Wild”: In-depth report takes on ACCJC Meet Michelle Kern, new CSM Part Timer Rep. Prop 32 claims to be “campaign finance reform” […]

April 2014 Advocate – Legislature looking at CalSTRS shortfall

Posted March 19, 2014

In the News Legislature begins looking at how to deal with CalSTRS shortfall  The California legislature has begun hearings on how to fix the $71 billion dollar funding shortfall for teacher pensions. Without an increase in contributions, CalSTRS predicts its assets will be depleted in about 30 years. The CFT has formed an advisory committee […]

November 14, 2012

Posted April 29, 2013

San Mateo Community College Federation of Teachers, AFT 1493 Minutes of General Membership/Executive Committee Meeting November 14, 2012, at Skyline College, Building 6, Room 6203 EC Members Present: Eric Brenner, Masao Suzuki, Rebecca Webb, Sanda Everet, Michael Batchelder, Nina Floro, Joaquin Rivera, Victoria Clinton, Michelle Kern, Lin Bowie, Sandy Raeber-Dorset, Dan Kaplan, Teeka James, Katharine […]

Message from CFT President

Posted December 15, 2012

This has been an amazing year and normally I would share with you information on the CFT’s numerous activities and campaigns. But that can wait until the New Year. In the aftermath of the horrific tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut our political and organizing successes, as significant as they are, seem less important. But I have […]

May 2012

Posted May 11, 2012

The Advocate – 35.6May 2012 In this issue: AFT and District present cases to Fact Finding panel, meet again June 11 AFT charges District with selective prosecution & suppressing freedom of speech Extended article on selective prosecution case Skyline Senate passes resolution on impact of SLOs on faculty workload CFT Convention Report AFT 1493 wins Best Website in […]

April 2014 Advocate – New bill would reform accreditation

Posted March 19, 2014

IN THE NEWS New assembly bill would reform accreditation process  Assemblymember Rob Bonta has introduced AB 1942, a new bill sponsored by the CFT, that seeks to introduce transparency, due process, and accountability into the accreditation process for our colleges. Bonta described the four key components of the bill as follows: • Introduces competition to the accreditation […]

October 10, 2012

Posted December 3, 2012

San Mateo Community College Federation of Teachers, AFT 1493 Minutes of General Membership/Executive Committee Meeting October 10, 2012 at Cañada College, Building 3, Room 104 EC Members Present: Teeka James, Rebecca Webb, Masao Suzuki, Eric Brenner, Michelle Kern, Lin Bowie, Joaquin Rivera, Victoria Clinton, Sandra Raeber-Dorsett, Dan Kaplan, Lezlee Ware, Elizabeth Terzakis, Zev Kvitky, Salumeh […]

AFT 1493 Advocate Readership Survey – November 2012

Posted December 2, 2012

The survey has 173 respondents. How often and how much do you read The Advocate? 74 43% I read most articles in every issue 41 24% I read a few articles in every issue 19 11% I read some articles in most issues 35 20% I occasionally read a few articles in some issues 4 […]

April 2014 Advocate – Adjuncts can still get flex pay

Posted March 19, 2014

PART TIMERS Part-time faculty can still get paid for flex activities Part-time faculty have had questions about whether and how they can get compensated for professional development work they do for their Flex activity. If you were not able to attend any on-campus Flex activities on this semester’s three flex days, you can still complete […]

September 12, 2012

Posted December 3, 2012

San Mateo Community College Federation of Teachers, AFT 1493 Minutes of General Membership/Executive Committee Meeting September 12, 2012 at CSM EC Members Present: Dan Kaplan, Teeka James, Lezlee Ware, Thomas Mohr, Victoria Clinton, Anne Stafford, Michelle Kern, Lin Bowie, Masao Suzuki, Rebecca Webb, Elaine Francisco, Alayna Frederick, Jamie Marron, Jean Rule, Lisa Melnick, Eric Brenner, […]

Tax the Rich: An Animated Fairy Tale

Posted November 29, 2012

An 8 minute video about how we arrived at this moment of poorly funded public services and widening economic inequality, narrated by Ed Asner, with animation by Mike Konopacki, written and directed by Fred Glass for the California Federation of Teachers.

March 2012

Posted March 20, 2012

The Advocate – 35.5 March 2012 In this issue: Two responses to AFT article on SLOs in syllabi and in faculty evaluations AFT negotiators need faculty support before Fact Finding on May 1 & 2 Agreement reached on faculty evaluation revision process A student’s view on the March 1 and March 5 rallies against budget cuts […]

April 2014 Advocate – AFT supports Prop. 13 reform

Posted March 19, 2014

TAX REFORM & SCHOOL FUNDING AFT 1493 supports reform of Proposition 13 to require large commercial property owners to pay their fair share AFT Local 1493 recently passed a resolution that resolved that “the San Mateo Community College Federation of Teachers supports efforts to modify how the value of commercial properties in California are reassessed […]

Advocate Survey

Posted October 28, 2012

Results of our November 2012 Advocate Readership survey.

May 9, 2012

Posted October 14, 2012

San Mateo Community College Federation of Teachers, AFT 1493 Minutes of General Membership/Executive Committee Meeting May 9, 2012 at Skyline College EC Members Present: Lin Bowie, Eric Brenner, Chip Chandler, Victoria Clinton, Dave Danielson, Sandi Raeber Dorsett, Nina Floro, Katharine Harer, Teeka James, Dan Kaplan, Michelle Kern, Yaping Li, Monica Malamud, Lisa Suguitan Melnick, Lucia […]

April 2014 Advocate – AFT hosts get-togethers for adjuncts

Posted March 19, 2014

PART TIMERS AFT 1493 hosts get-togethers for part-timers and full-timers to meet at all three colleges  AFT Local 1493 hosted “Meet and Greet” gatherings at CSM and Cañada College in February to show appreciation for adjunct faculty and to provide a chance for part-time and full-time faculty to meet, get to know one another and […]

CFT Voter eGuide

Posted October 8, 2012

Click on the link to go to the CFT Voter eGuide; then just type in your home address and you will be shown CFT’s recommendations for candidates and measures on your Nov. 6th local ballot, plus where to vote.Vote Yes on 30 & No on 32 to tax millionaires & stop their power grab! Click […]

April 11, 2012

Posted August 15, 2012

San Mateo Community College Federation of Teachers, AFT 1493 Minutes of General Membership/Executive Committee Meeting April 11, 2012 at Cañada College EC Members Present: Eric Brenner, Chip Chandler, Victoria Clinton, Dave Danielson, Sandi Raeber Dorsett, Nina Floro, Katharine Harer, Teeka James, Dan Kaplan, Yaping Li, Monica Malamud, Lisa Suguitan Melnick, Lucia Olson, Joaquin Rivera, Doug […]

February 2012

Posted February 15, 2012

The Advocate – 35.4  –  February 2012 In this issue: SLOs creep into syllabi and evaluations, violating contract and academic freedom AFT and District moving from Impasse to Fact Finding Questioning the sale of KCSM-TV CFT launches drive to place Millionaires Tax on Nov. ballot SMCCCD students planning for actions in defense of education on March […]

April 2014 Advocate – Adjunct pay rates ranked statewide

Posted March 19, 2014

PART TIMERS CFT releases statewide study ranking adjunct pay rates; SMCCCD is between 12th & 20th The California Federation of Teachers has released a statewide study of part-time faculty pay that for the first time ranks compensation for adjunct instructors in all 72 California community college districts. Designed as a tool for contract negotiations and […]

“ACCJC Gone Wild”: Criticism of accreditors growing

Posted September 20, 2012

The Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) accredits two-year colleges in California and Hawaii. Sanctions imposed on colleges by the ACCJC in recent years have far exceeded the total sanctions by all other accreditation bodies in the country combined. On July 3, the ACCJC announced that they would terminate City College of San […]

March 14, 2012

Posted August 15, 2012

San Mateo Community College Federation of Teachers, AFT 1493 Minutes of General Membership/Executive Committee Meeting March 14, 2012 at CSM EC Members Present: Eric Brenner, Chip Chandler, Victoria Clinton, Dave Danielson, Nina Floro, Katharine Harer, Teeka James, Dan Kaplan, Yaping Li, Monica Malamud, Lucia Olson, Joaquin Rivera, Doug Sherman, Anne Stafford, Masao Suzuki, Elizabeth Terzakis, Lezlee […]

December 2011

Posted November 29, 2011

The Advocate – 35.3  –  December 2011 In this issue: AFT presents revised proposal; District refuses to negotiate; case now goes to fact-finding AFT 1493ers join big Occupy Oakland day of action Have a problem with your Dean? Know your rights Meet Doug Sherman, new Skyline Part-Timer Rep. Retirees: Next DART meeting: Feb. 23, 2012 Board […]

April 2014 Advocate – AFT 1493 Elections in April

Posted March 19, 2014

AFT 1493 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE AFT 1493 elections to take place in April; New leaders encouraged to run for office In mid-April AFT Local 1493 will be holding elections to determine the leadership of the Local for the next two years. Have you ever considered running for President, Vice-President, Secretary, or Treasurer, or member of the […]

February 12, 2012

Posted March 21, 2012

San Mateo Community College Federation of Teachers, AFT 1493 Minutes of General Membership/Executive Committee Meeting February 12, 2012 at Cañada College  EC Members Present: Eric Brenner, Chip Chandler, Victoria Clinton, Nina Floro, Katharine Harer, Teeka James, Dan Kaplan, Emily Munson, Lucia Olson, Joaquin Rivera, Doug Sherman, Anne Stafford, Masao Suzuki, Elizabeth Terzakis, Lezlee Ware, Rebecca Webb […]

November 2011

Posted October 25, 2011

The Advocate – 35.2  –  November 2011 In this issue: Faculty votes down Tentative Agreement Local View: Labor should build links with Occupy Wall Street AFT 1493 endorses Joe Ross for Board of Trustees Trustees respond to AFT endorsement Vote for Sharon Hendricks for CalSTRS Board Initiative for oil tax to fund looks to 2012 election SMCCCD […]

April 2014 Advocate – Performance Evaluation Task Force

Posted March 19, 2014

Performance Evaluation Task Force’s revision of faculty evaluation documents almost complete by Elizabeth Terzakis, PETF representative, AFT Local 1493 Cañada Chapter Co-Chair The Performance Evaluation Task Force (PETF) is entering the home stretch of its efforts to revise Appendix G, the evaluation portion of AFT 1493’s contract with the San Mateo Community College District. Much […]

January 18, 2012

Posted March 21, 2012

San Mateo Community College Federation of Teachers, AFT 1493 Minutes of General Membership/Executive Committee Meeting January 18, 2012 at Cañada College  EC Members Present: Eric Brenner, Chip Chandler, Victoria Clinton, Nina Floro, Katharine Harer, Teeka James, Dan Kaplan, Yaping Li, Monica Malamud, Lisa Suguitan Melnick, Lucia Olson, Sandi Raeber Dorsett, Joaquin Rivera, Doug Sherman, Anne Stafford, […]

September 2011

Posted September 22, 2011

The Advocate – 35.1  –  September 2011 In this issue: Executive Committee to submit TA to faculty with no recommendation Summary of the Tentative Agreement Local View: Why I am not supporting the tentative agreement Comparing part-time faculty salaries at Bay 10 colleges Equity? Administrators’ and supervisors’ salaries rise faster than faculty salaries AFT 1493 endorses Joe Ross for […]

April 2014 Advocate – Skyline’s new media policy

Posted March 19, 2014

Faculty rights Skyline’s new media policy restricts employees’ right to free speech by Robert J. Bezemek, AFT Local 1493 attorney On March 12, 2014 Skyline College announced to employees its unilaterally adopted “Media Policy” designed to “protect” the college’s “brand and image.” The policy attempts to do this by restricting faculty comments to reporters and […]

AFT 1493 wins Best Web Site in state & 5 other CFT Communications Awards

Posted July 15, 2012

At the April 12-15 CFT Convention, aft1493.org, maintained by webmaster Eric Brenner, won First Place in the category of Best Web Site for locals with more than 500 unit members. The judges said of the AFT 1493 website: “Excellent design, straightforward navigation, well-written and up-to-date copy. Good use of type style, color and shading to […]

December 7, 2011

Posted February 29, 2012

San Mateo Community College Federation of Teachers, AFT 1493 Minutes of General Membership/Executive Committee Meeting December 7, 2011 at CSM   EC Members Present: Eric Brenner, Chip Chandler, Victoria Clinton, Dave Danielson, Nina Floro, Katharine Harer, Teeka James, Dan Kaplan, Yaping Li, Monica Malamud, Lisa Suguitan Melnick, Emily Munson, Lucia Olson, Sandi Raeber Dorsett, Joaquin […]

May 2011

Posted May 3, 2011

The Advocate – 34.6  –  May 2011 In this issue: Budget cuts: The good, the bad, and the ugly AFT 1493ers march in support of public workers Debunking myths about the budget crisis What is the rationale for full-time/part-time disparities? Part-timers are eligible for unemployment benefits AFT discourages full-timers from taking excessive overload CFT Convention Report: There’s a […]

February 2014 Advocate – STRS

Posted February 5, 2014

RETIREMENT Assembly to Tackle CalSTRS Pension Liability On January 29 state Assembly Speaker John A. Pérez (D-Los Angeles) and Assemblymember Rob Bonta (D-Oakland), Chair of the Assembly Public Employees, Retirement and Social Security Committee, announced they would push to implement a long-term solution to the funding shortfall in the California State Teachers’ Retirement System this […]

March 2011

Posted March 16, 2011

The Advocate – 34.5  –  March 2011 In this issue: Thousands rally at capitol against education cuts Negotiations Update  Attacks on collective bargaining undermine employees’ basic right An interview with a Madison teacher The New Faculty Majority and SB 114 SB 114: Transparency in pay for adjuncts Skyline’s ASTEP Math Academy makes a difference in students’ lives Introducing […]

February 2014 Advocate – CCSF Accrediation

Posted February 5, 2014

CCSF ACCREDITATION What now for City College of San Francisco after the court injunction? By Lalo Gonzalez and Micheal Madden, CCSF students and activists in the Save CCSF Coalition After many months of grassroots mobilization to save City College of San Francisco (CCSF), a Superior Court judge has granted a partial injunction that bars the […]

October 12, 2011

Posted February 29, 2012

San Mateo Community College Federation of Teachers, AFT 1493 Minutes of General Membership/Executive Committee Meeting October 12, 2011 at Cañada College EC Members Present: Chip Chandler, Victoria Clinton, Nina Floro, Teeka James, Dan Kaplan, Yaping Li, Monica Malamud, Lisa Suguitan Melnick, Sandi Raeber Dorsett, Joaquin Rivera, Anne Stafford, Masao Suzuki, Elizabeth Terzakis, Lezlee Ware, Rebecca […]

February 2011

Posted February 9, 2011

The Advocate – 34.4  –  February 2011 (2 MB) In this issue: $400 million cut & 40% fee increase proposed for community colleges Negotiations Update Part-timers approve disability insurance President’s Letter: We all want to improve student success rates  AFT 1493 names new Part-Time Faculty Organizer Introducing Mike Noonan, Cañada’s new Executive Committee Rep. In Memoriam: David Noble: teacher, […]

February 2014 Advocate – Quality Public Education Campaign

Posted February 5, 2014

  ORGANIZING OUR UNION Quality Public Education: Local AFT 1493 Launches New Campaign By Katharine Harer, Co-Vice President & AFT 1493 QPEC Organizer   Who isn’t sick and tired of seeing community colleges get kicked around — budgets for programs gutted while money for thicker and thicker layers of administration miraculously appears; students struggling to […]

September 14, 2011

Posted February 29, 2012

San Mateo Community College Federation of Teachers, AFT 1493 Minutes of General Membership/Executive Committee Meeting September 14, 2011 at College of San Mateo EC Members Present: Eric Brenner, Chip Chandler, Victoria Clinton, Dave Danielson, Nina Floro, Katharine Harer, Teeka James, Dan Kaplan, Yaping Li, Monica Malamud, Lisa Suguitan Melnick, Sandi Raeber Dorsett, Joaquin Rivera, Anne […]

December 2010

Posted October 27, 2010

The Advocate – 34.3  –  December 2010 (1.7 MB) In this issue: Part-time faculty to vote on State Disability Insurance In memoriam: Joe McDonough, long-time AFT 1493 leader President’s Letter: Community colleges vs. for-profit colleges Joe Marchi to speak at Dec. 7 retirees event  Remembering Joe McDonough AFT 1493’s 2009 budget Union scholarships available to AFT 1493 […]

February 2014 Advocate – National Politics

Posted February 5, 2014

Seattle Community College Teacher elected to city council Socialist Kshama Sawant’s Win Signals New Openings for Political Change By Mark T. Harris, political commentator reporting from Seattle for The Advocate The city of Seattle has long benefited from the fresh ocean breezes that flow in from Puget Sound. Now, a different kind of breeze is […]

September 7, 2011

Posted February 29, 2012

San Mateo Community College Federation of Teachers, AFT 1493 Minutes of General Membership/Executive Committee Meeting September 7, 2011 at College of San Mateo   EC Members Present: Eric Brenner, Chip Chandler, Victoria Clinton, Dave Danielson, Nina Floro, Katharine Harer, Teeka James, Dan Kaplan, Yaping Li, Monica Malamud, Lisa Suguitan Melnick, Sandi Raeber Dorsett, Joaquin Rivera, […]

September 2010

Posted September 15, 2010

The Advocate – 34.1 – September 2010 (2.5 MB) In this issue: Negotiations deadlocked; District offering nothing but take-backs Health care to take a bigger bite out of pacychecks President’s Letter: New union leaders and initiatives Introducing CSM’s new AFT Part-timer Reps. Part-time faculty to decide on State Disability Insurance In memorium: Herman Bates, AFT 1493 & DART […]

February 2014 Advocate – Project Change at CSM

Posted February 5, 2014

FACULTY FOCUS Project Change at CSM: First program in county to bridge gap from incarceration to higher education By Katie Bliss, CSM English ProfessorSitting atop Tower Road off 92 in San Mateo is a newly renovated large and modern building, which operates as the county’s juvenile detention facility, and has for over 50 years; just […]

May 2010

Posted April 29, 2010

The Advocate – 33.6 – May 2010 (2 MB) In this issue: March for California’s Future points to ways forward from state’s budget crisis Contract talks focus on Board policies; economic issues still ahead More flex days, more non-instructional work, but less real professional development AFT and District Academic Senate make plans to collaborate Across AFT’s great divide: A part-timer’s […]

February 2014 Advocate – ACCJC

Posted February 5, 2014

ACCJC not showing openness to input in development of new accreditation standards No response from ACCJC at January meeting after librarians raise problems with Commission’s proposal to eliminate the current Substandard II.C.2 by Eric Brenner, Advocate EditorAs the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) is in the process of drafting new accreditation Standards […]

May 11, 2011

Posted February 29, 2012

San Mateo Community College Federation of Teachers, AFT 1493 Minutes of General Membership/Executive Committee Meeting May 11, 2011 at Skyline College EC Members Present: Eric Brenner, Chip Chandler, Victoria Clinton, Dave Danielson, Nina Floro, Katharine Harer, Teeka James, Dan Kaplan, Monica Malamud, Lisa Suguitan Melnick, Sandi Raeber Dorsett, Joaquin Rivera, Anne Stafford, Masao Suzuki, Elizabeth Terzakis, […]

April 2010

Posted March 29, 2010

The Advocate – 33.5 – April 2010 (2 MB) In this issue: Extensive coverage & photos from March 4th actions & “March in March”! District students, faculty & staff join over 10,000 at “March in March” March 4th actions at all 3 colleges & major S.F. event AFT1493.org website named best in state! California needs to decide […]

December 2013 Advocate – California Health Insurance Website

Posted December 9, 2013

How to explore the Covered California website to find health insurance options Covered California is the state insurance exchange set up for Californians under the ACA. Here is a brief tour on how to explore your coverage options. The official web site is at: coveredca.com. When you access the site you will see this opening page: […]

April 13, 2011

Posted July 4, 2011

San Mateo Community College Federation of Teachers, AFT 1493 Minutes of General Membership/Executive Committee Meeting April 13, 2011 at Cañada College EC Members Present: Eric Brenner, Chip Chandler, Victoria Clinton, Nina Floro, Katharine Harer, Teeka James, Dan Kaplan, Yaping Li, Monica Malamud, Lisa Suguitan Melnick, Sandi Raeber Dorsett, Joaquin Rivera, Anne Stafford, Masao Suzuki Other […]

February 2010

Posted February 18, 2010

The Advocate – 33.4 – February 2010 (2.1 MB) In this issue: Hundreds attend teach-ins on budget crisis at all three colleges District decision-making must be transparent and inclusive Contract talks continue, but progress is slow Senate leaders respond to budget crisis in our District Opinion: One way to reduce college costs: Cut from the […]

December 2013 Advocate – Part-Timers’ Rights

Posted December 9, 2013

Unemployment benefits available to adjuncts All Part-timers should remember that you are eligible for unemployment compensation benefits over the winter break and during the summer break, unless you are working another job between semesters or over the summer and you are earning more than your unemployment grant would be. As soon as you give your […]

March 9, 2011

Posted July 4, 2011

San Mateo Community College Federation of Teachers, AFT 1493 Minutes of General Membership/Executive Committee Meeting March 9, 2011 at CSM EC Members Present: Eric Brenner, Victoria Clinton, Dave Danielson, Nina Floro, Katharine Harer, Teeka James, Dan Kaplan, Yaping Li, Monica Malamud, Lisa Suguitan Melnick, Mike Noonan, Sandi Raeber Dorsett, Joaquin Rivera, Anne Stafford, Masao Suzuki, […]

December 2009

Posted December 4, 2009

The Advocate – 33.3 – December 2009 (2.2 MB) In this issue: Community college faculty and students begin organizing against cuts District offers zero, wants to roll back faculty rights Administrators’ pay rose 11 – 16% in last two years, faculty lag far behind Resource Allocation Model appears to favor District Office CSM community organizes […]

December 2013 Advocate – Union Scholarships

Posted December 9, 2013

Union college scholarships available to children of AFT 1493 members   The CFT offers scholarships to high school seniors and college students who are children or dependents of CFT members in good standing. Students enrolled in four-year courses of study are eligible for $3000 scholarships; those enrolled in two-year courses of study are eligible for […]

AFT 1493 E-News, September 13, 2011

Posted October 5, 2011

Dear Faculty Colleagues, As I said on Opening Day, the District and AFT 1493 negotiating teams reached a Tentative Agreement (TA) this summer for a new collective bargaining agreement, and, as I promised, the AFT Executive Committee (EC) considered this TA at its August 19th retreat. At that time, the EC voted to submit the […]

February 9, 2011

Posted March 3, 2011

San Mateo Community College Federation of Teachers, AFT 1493 Minutes of General Membership/Executive Committee Meeting February 9, 2011 at Skyline College   EC Members Present: Eric Brenner, Alma Cervantes, Chip Chandler, Victoria Clinton, Dave Danielson, Nina Floro, Katharine Harer, Teeka James, Dan Kaplan, Monica Malamud, Lisa Suguitan Melnick, Sandi Raeber Dorsett, Joaquin Rivera, Anne Stafford, […]

December 2013 Advocate – Letter to the Editor

Posted December 9, 2013

Letter to the Editor: “A lovely time” at anniversary party Dear AFT 1493 Advocate, Just wanted to say I had a really lovely time at the AFT 50th birthday party.  I could only stay till about 5:30, but while I was there, I found myself gently engulfed by a big-hearted feeling.  There was no robust […]

How to Find Your G Number

Posted September 27, 2011

Go to WebSmart To login: In the User ID box, enter your Social Security Number (no dashes or spaces) For Pin number, enter you birth date–day month year (2 numbers for each, 6 numbers total, no dashes or spaces)  After logging in: Click on any selection under Faculty Services (e.g. “Class List”) Your G number […]

January 19, 2011

Posted June 24, 2011

San Mateo Community College Federation of Teachers, AFT 1493 Minutes of General Membership/Executive Committee Meeting January 19, 2011 at Cañada College   EC Members Present: Eric Brenner, Victoria Clinton, Dave Danielson, Nina Floro, Katharine Harer, Teeka James, Dan Kaplan, Yaping Li, Monica Malamud, Lisa Melnick, Sandi Raeber Dorsett, Joaquin Rivera, Anne Stafford, Masao Suzuki, Elizabeth […]

The Advocate Archives

Posted February 1, 2007

May 2022 March-April 2022 February 2022 December 2021 October 2021 September 2021 May 2021 March 2021 February 2021 December 2020 November 2020 September 2020 May 2020 March-April 2020 February 2020 December 2019 November 2019 September 2019 May 2019 March-April 2019 February 2019 December 2018 November 2018 September 2018 May 2018 March-April 2018 February 2018 December […]

December 2013 Advocate – Board election

Posted December 9, 2013

Holober and Mohr win Board seats On November 5, the two College District Board of Trustees candidates endorsed by AFT 1493–Richard Holober and Tom Mohr–were elected to the Board for the next four years.     Holober is now beginning his 5th term in office while Mohr, former Cañada College President, was elected to the Board […]

December 8, 2010

Posted March 3, 2011

San Mateo Community College Federation of Teachers, AFT 1493 Minutes of General Membership/Executive Committee Meeting December 8, 2010 at College of San Mateo   EC Members Present: Chip Chandler, Victoria Clinton, Dave Danielson, Sandi Raeber Dorsett, Katharine Harer, Teeka James, Dan Kaplan, Yaping Li, Monica Malamud, Lisa Suguitan Melnick, Elizabeth Terzakis, Rebecca Webb Other Members Present: […]

December 2013 Advocate – PETF

Posted December 9, 2013

Performance Evaluation Task Force: Next steps When the work of the Performance Evaluation Task Force is complete, AFT will be holding a faculty ratification vote on the new evaluation documents and procedures. The vote will take place during the Spring 2014 semester.     If the new documents and procedures are not completed before the end of […]

November 10, 2010

Posted January 19, 2011

San Mateo Community College Federation of Teachers, AFT 1493 Minutes of General Membership/Executive Committee Meeting November 10, 2010 at Skyline College   EC Members Present:  Eric Brenner, Chip Chandler, Victoria Clinton, Dave Danielson, Sandi Raeber Dorsett, Nina Floro, Katharine Harer, Teeka James, Dan Kaplan, Yaping Li, Monica Malamud, Lisa Suguitan Melnick, Joaquin Rivera, Masao Suzuki, Elizabeth Terzakis […]

December 2013 Advocate – ACCJC & CCSF’s accreditation

Posted December 9, 2013

Forums on the ACCJC’s sanctioning of CCSF held at CSM and at City College Many concerns raised about ACCJC’s accreditation procedures and the impact of a potential closure As City College of San Francisco (CCSF) continues working to avert closure in the wake of sanctions by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) […]

Frequently Asked Questions

Posted September 27, 2011

Many faculty members have contacted AFT with questions regarding points made by Chancellor Galatolo in his recent e-mail to faculty. These questions and their answers are below. Question 1: Is it true, as AFT reported, that most of our faculty salaries do not rank 3rd or 4th among the Bay Area community college districts?  The […]

October 13, 2010

Posted January 19, 2011

San Mateo Community College Federation of Teachers, AFT 1493 Minutes of General Membership/Executive Committee Meeting October 13, 2010 at Cañada College EC Members Present:  Eric Brenner, Chip Chandler, Victoria Clinton, Dave Danielson, Sandi Raeber Dorsett, Nina Floro, Katharine Harer, Teeka James, Dan Kaplan, Monica Malamud, Lisa Suguitan Melnick, Joaquin Rivera, Masao Suzuki, Elizabeth Terzakis, Lezlee Ware […]

December 2013 Advocate – New Part-Timer Reps

Posted December 9, 2013

Introducing Skyline’s new AFT 1493 Part-Timer Reps: Paul Rueckhaus and Janice Sapigao Ed. Note: Two new Part-timer Reps. from Skyline College–Paul Rueckhaus and Janice Sapigao–have joined AFT Local 1493’s Executive Committee this semester, so we asked them to introduce themselves. Paul Rueckhaus Greetings colleagues! I am thrilled to introduce myself as an adjunct faculty representative […]

Summary of Tentative Contract Agreement

Posted September 4, 2011

The following points are highlights of the tentative contract agreement (TA) between the AFT and the District. [Click here to read the complete TA.] • Since 2008, the State has not paid school districts the statutory COLA, which, by law, they must pay.  The State is supposed to repay that owed COLA when the economy recovers. […]

September 8, 2010

Posted January 19, 2011

San Mateo Community College Federation of Teachers, AFT 1493 Minutes of General Membership/Executive Committee Meeting September 8, 2010 at College of San Mateo EC Members Present:  Eric Brenner, Alma Cervantes, Chip Chandler, Victoria Clinton, Dave Danielson, Sandi Raeber Dorsett, Nina Floro, Katharine Harer, Teeka James, Dan Kaplan, Yaping Li, Monica Malamud, Lisa Suguitan Melnick, Mike Noonan, […]

December 2013 Advocate – 50th anniversary party

Posted December 9, 2013

AFT Local 1493 celebrates 50th anniversary with music, food and camaraderie by Dan Kaplan, AFT 1493 Executive Secretary AFT Local 1493 was granted its charter from the American Federation of Teachers on November 29, 1963, which means that the Local turned 50 years old in November. It was clearly the right time to throw a […]

August 20, 2010

Posted October 10, 2010

San Mateo Community College Federation of Teachers, AFT 1493 Minutes of Executive Committee Retreat August 20, 2010 at Cañada Vista Clubhouse   EC Members Present: Eric Brenner, Chip Chandler, Nina Floro, Katharine Harer, Teeka James, Dan Kaplan, Yaping Li, Monica Malamud, Lisa Melnick, Lucia Olson, Anne Stafford, Masao Suzuki, Elizabeth Terzakis, Lezlee Ware Other Members […]

December 2013 Advocate – CSM Senate

Posted December 9, 2013

CSM Senate opposes ACCJC’s decision to revoke CCSF’s accreditation   The CSM Academic Senate on November 26 unanimously endorsed a statement (shown below) in opposition to the decision by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) to revoke the accreditation of City College of San Francisco (CCSF) and supporting those who have been […]

“March in March”

Posted March 10, 2011

Rally in Sacramento: March 14, 2011 Plan to go to the state capitol Monday, March 14, to protest education cuts and join the national fight-back against right-wing attacks on public workers!photo from last year’s “March in March” by David McLain

May 12, 2010

Posted May 13, 2010

San Mateo Community College Federation of Teachers, AFT 1493 Minutes of General Membership/Executive Committee Meeting May 12, 2010 at Skyline College EC Members Present: Eric Brenner, Alma Cervantes, Chip Chandler, Dave Danielson, Nina Floro, Katharine Harer, Teeka James, Dan Kaplan, Yaping Li, Monica Malamud, Karen Olesen, Joaquin Rivera, Anne Stafford, Elizabeth Terzakis, Lezlee Ware Other […]

December 2013 Advocate – ASCCC and ACCJC

Posted December 9, 2013

Statewide Academic Senate calls on ACCJC to improve processes and become more transparent and open by Doug Hirzel, Cañada College Academic Senate President On October 24 each of our three colleges received very positive reports from the ACCJC’s visiting teams.  The reports included commendations on our colleges’ inclusivity of decision-making processes, excellent academic and student […]

April 14, 2010

Posted April 14, 2010

San Mateo Community College Federation of Teachers, AFT 1493 Minutes of General Membership/Executive Committee Meeting April 14, 2010 at Cañada College EC Members Present: Ron Brown, Alma Cervantes, Chip Chandler, Victoria Clinton, Dave Danielson, Nina Floro, Katharine Harer, Teeka James, Dan Kaplan, Yaping Li, Monica Malamud, Karen Olesen, Joaquin Rivera, Anne Stafford, Lezlee Ware Other […]

December 2013 Advocate – Adjuncts and Obamacare

Posted December 8, 2013

Two Generations of Adjunct Professors Explore Covered California by Lin Bowie, CSM EC Rep. and Biology Professor, and Caroline Bowie Stockhus, CSM English Professor The Affordable Care Act (ACA), commonly known as ObamaCare, may be good news for adjunct faculty. As adjuncts, we do not get contributions paid by the District for health insurance premiums. Adjuncts […]

The Advocate – February 2011

Posted February 9, 2011

    Brown proposes to cut $400 million for community colleges and raise student fees by almost 40% More cuts to come if voters don’t support extending tax increases by Masao Suzuki, Skyline, AFT 1493 Executive Committee Co-Rep. Governor Brown is proposing to cut state funding for community college by $400 million for next year […]

March 17, 2010

Posted April 15, 2010

San Mateo Community College Federation of Teachers, AFT 1493 Minutes of General Membership/Executive Committee Meeting March 17, 2010 at CSM EC Members Present: Alma Cervantes, Chip Chandler, Victoria Clinton, Dave Danielson, Nina Floro, Katharine Harer, Teeka James, Dan Kaplan, Yaping Li, Monica Malamud, Karen Olesen, Joaquin Rivera, Anne Stafford, Elizabeth Terzakis, Lezlee Ware Other Members […]

November 2013 Advocate

Posted October 24, 2013

Eight Days a Week First of a two-part report on the AFT 1493 Workload Survey by Teeka James, AFT Local 1493 President As you probably recall, last semester AFT 1493 asked faculty to share their perceptions of the workaday life at our three colleges. As The Advocate previously reported, 377 faculty members participated in the […]

February 10, 2010

Posted April 15, 2010

San Mateo Community College Federation of Teachers, AFT 1493 Minutes of General Membership/Executive Committee Meeting February 10, 2010,  at Skyline EC Members Present: Eric Brenner, Ron Brown, Chip Chandler, Victoria Clinton, Nina Floro, Katharine Harer, Teeka James, Dan Kaplan, Yaping Li, Monica Malamud, Karen Olesen, Sandi Raeber, Anne Stafford, Elizabeth Terzakis, Lezlee Ware Other Members […]

October 2013 Advocate

Posted October 1, 2013

CONTRACT RATIFICATION Faculty vote to support new contract by over 98% District faculty voted overwhelmingly to ratify the new contract agreement by a vote of 277 (98.57%) to 4 (1.43%) in the online vote that took place from Tuesday, September 24 through Friday, September 27. The details of the new contract are shown below. The […]

January 20, 2010

Posted February 15, 2010

San Mateo Community College Federation of Teachers, AFT 1493 Minutes of General Membership/Executive Committee Meeting January 20, 2010 at Cañada Present: Eric Brenner, Ron Brown, Chip Chandler, Victoria Clinton, Dave Danielson, Nina Floro, Teeka James, Dan Kaplan, Yaping Li, Monica Malamud, Karen Olesen, Joaquin Rivera, Anne Stafford, Elizabeth Terzakis, Lezlee Ware Guests: Mike Stanford Meeting […]

May 2013 Advocate

Posted May 9, 2013

 Report MOOCs? In SMCCCD? Faculty discuss pros and cons of MOOCs at District Senate forum On Wednesday April 24, the District Academic Senate hosted a discussion for district faculty on issues related to the possible offering of MOOCs (massive open online courses) in SMCCCD. About 12 – 15 faculty members attended the meeting, including Diana […]

The Advocate – December 2010

Posted October 26, 2010

  Part-time faculty to vote this week on State Disability Insurance Part-time faculty in the District will vote this week and next on whether to participate in the California State Disability Insurance Program. The District and AFT Local 1493 agreed to conduct the election, in accordance with state law governing State Disability Insurance. California State […]

December 9, 2009

Posted February 15, 2010

San Mateo Community College Federation of Teachers, AFT 1493 Minutes of General Membership/Executive Committee Meeting December 9, 2009 at CSM Present: Eric Brenner, Chip Chandler, Victoria Clinton, Dave Danielson, Katharine Harer, Teeka James, Dan Kaplan, Yaping Li, Monica Malamud, Sandi Raeber, Anne Stafford, Elizabeth Terzakis Guests: Kathleen Barber, Jim Bollier, John Heinbockel, Lewis Kawahara, Jesus […]

March 2013 Advocate

Posted April 29, 2013

Universal health care still a pipe dream: The Affordable Care Act and SMCCCD faculty by Rebecca Webb, AFT 1493 CSM Chapter Co-Chair The Affordable Care Act (ACA) was introduced by President Obama during his first term, and passed Congress in 2010 by a narrow margin.  It is not a single payer health care system, neither […]

November 18, 2009

Posted February 15, 2010

San Mateo Community College Federation of Teachers, AFT 1493 Minutes of General Membership/Executive Committee Meeting November 18, 2009 at Skyline College Present: Eric Brenner, Ron Brown, Alma Cervantes, Chip Chandler, Victoria Clinton, Dave Danielson, Nina Floro, Katharine Harer, Teeka James, Dan Kaplan, Yaping Li, Monica Malamud, Karen Olesen, Sandi Raeber, Joaquin Rivera, Anne Stafford, Elizabeth […]

February 2013 Advocate

Posted April 29, 2013

Faculty participation vital on workload survey Union needs documentation to support negotiations Does it feel like the list of things you’re asked to do keeps growing every semester?  Are you serving on more committees than you used to?  Are part-timers paid equitably when compared to full-timers?  With a reduction of the full-time ranks, are fewer […]

October 14, 2009

Posted February 15, 2010

San Mateo Community College Federation of Teachers, AFT 1493 Minutes of General Membership/Executive Committee Meeting October 14, 2009 at Cañada College Present: Eric Brenner, Ron  Brown, Chip Chandler, Victoria Clinton, Dan Kaplan, Yaping Li, Monica Malamud, Sandi Raeber, Joaquin Rivera, Anne Stafford, Elizabeth Terzakis, Lezlee Ware Guests: Bruce Maule, Jesus Moya, Robert Schwartz, Masao Suzuki, […]

December 2012 Advocate

Posted December 5, 2012

AFT members’ campaigning contributes to historic victories in California elections Prop 30 passes, Prop 32 defeated, Democrats gain supermajority On November 6th, California voters passed Proposition 30, deciding that it’s time to invest in our state’s future again. As a result, California schools and services can begin to recover after years of budget cuts. The […]

September 9, 2009

Posted December 16, 2009

San Mateo Community College Federation of Teachers, AFT 1493 Minutes of General Membership/Executive Committee Meeting September 9, 2009, CSM Present: Eric Brenner, Chip Chandler , Victoria Clinton, Nina Floro, Katharine Harer, Teeka James, Dan Kaplan, Yaping Li, Monica Malamud, Karen Olesen, Sandi Raeber, Joaquin Rivera, Anne Stafford, Elizabeth Terzakis, Lezlee Ware Guests: John Heinbockel, Yin […]

October 2012 Advocate

Posted October 27, 2012

Part-time faculty see need to move towards “parity” with comparable full-time pay rates by Victoria Clinton & Sandi Raeber Dorsett, AFT 1493 Part-Time Faculty Negotiating Team Members One of the items indicated as high priority by part-time faculty for our next negotiations is to define and work toward “parity.” The concept of parity in California […]

September 2012 Advocate

Posted September 20, 2012

  Contract settlement and ratification vote: two huge successes for the union Last month (August 2012), faculty resoundingly approved a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (also known as “the Contract”), which will be in force until June 30, 2015. Out of the 290 votes cast—representing the highest voter-participation rate in the recorded history of our Local—282 […]

May 2012 Advocate

Posted May 11, 2012

Contract Negotiations AFT and District present cases to Fact Finding panel, will meet one more time on June 11 On May 1 and 2, AFT Local 1493 went to Fact Finding* with administrators in the San Mateo Community College District. The Fact Finding panel consisted of Bruce Heid, on the District side, Barbara Hanfling (the […]

March 2012 Advocate

Posted March 20, 2012

  AFT article on SLOs in syllabi and in faculty evaluations prompts significant faculty response The front page article in the February 2012 issue of The Advocate, titled “SLOs creep into syllabi and faculty evaluations in violation of contract and academic freedom”, written by AFT 1493 Co-Vice President Teeka James, and representing the views of […]

Skyline Chapter: AFT at a Glance: March 2010

Posted March 9, 2010

FLASH UPDATE!!! March 2010 SKYLINE CHAPTER: AFT AT A GLANCE Bringing the Latest Union News to Skyline Faculty PUSH FOR BINDING ARBITRATION BEGINS Dear Skyline Colleagues, Over the past months, AFT 1493 has published in The Advocate a number of articles regarding “binding arbitration” and the reasons that it is a top priority in our […]

February 2012 Advocate

Posted February 14, 2012

SLOs creep into syllabi and faculty evaluations in violation of contract and academic freedom by Teeka James, AFT 1493 Co-Vice President, CSM At the beginning of this semester, faculty across the District received email messages from their deans that were far more directive than previous semesters’ “Welcome Back!” messages have been. Across the district, in […]

February 11, 2009

Posted November 1, 2009

Minutes of General Membership/Executive Committee Meeting February 11, 2009, Skyline Present: Eric Brenner, Ron Brown, Chip Chandler, Alma Cervantes, Nina Floro, Katharine Harer, Teeka James, Dan Kaplan, Monica Malamud, Karen Olesen, Sandi Raeber, Anne Stafford, Elizabeth Terzakis, Lezlee Ware Guests: Maria Chacon, Pat Deamer, Salume Eslamieh, Masao Suzuki, George Wright Meeting began at 2:25 Facilitator: […]

December 2011 Advocate

Posted November 29, 2011

NEGOTIATIONS AFT presents revised proposal; District refuses to negotiate; case now goes to fact-finding The AFT Negotiating Team returned to the bargaining table to resume negotiations with a state-appointed mediator on Wednesday, Nov. 16th. Our goal was to achieve equity for all faculty, full and part-time, in the District.  As we have pointed out before, […]

January 21, 2009

Posted January 26, 2010

Minutes of General Membership/Executive Committee Meeting January 21, 2009, Cañada College Present: Eric Brenner, Ron Brown, Chip Chandler, Victoria Clinton, Alma Cervantes, Katharine Harer, Teeka James, Dan Kaplan, Yaping Li, Monica Malamud, Karen Olesen, Sandi Raeber, Anne Stafford, Elizabeth Terzakis, Lezlee Ware Guests: David Clay, Patty Dilko, Anu Pattanayak, Leslie Sachs Meeting began at 2:25 […]

November 2011 Advocate

Posted October 25, 2011

Faculty votes down Tentative Agreement;Frustrated teachers say they are “outraged,” “appalled” By Katharine Harer, AFT 1493 Vice President and Negotiating Team Member Faculty responded resoundingly – voting by nearly 80% not to ratify the Tentative Agreement of the new contract during the online vote that was held September 27 – 30. After the District’s decision […]

December 10, 2008

Posted January 26, 2010

Minutes of General Membership/Executive Committee Meeting December 10, 2008, at CSM Present: Eric Brenner, Ron Brown, Chip Chandler, Victoria Clinton, Katharine Harer, Teeka James, Dan Kaplan, Yaping Li, Monica Malamud, Karen Olesen, Sandi Raeber, Joaquin Rivera, Anne Stafford, Elizabeth Terzakis Meeting began at 2:25 Facilitator: Teeka James Welcome and Introductions Minutes of the November, 2008 […]

September 2011 Advocate

Posted September 21, 2011

Executive Committee to submit tentative contract agreement to faculty vote with no recommendation The following message was sent to all faculty in an E-News on September 13. A faculty vote on the Tentative Agreement will take place by the end of September. Details of the voting process will be sent to all faculty very soon. […]

Teach-In: CSM: Feb. 3 & 4, 2010

Posted February 1, 2010

Higher fees ($32/unit) . . Cuts to programs and services . . Fewer classes & longer wait lists . . Fewer faculty and staff . .  IT’S TIME TO FIGHT BACK! SAVE COMMUNITY COLLEGES TEACH-IN SCHEDULE CSM THEATER WED FEB 3 & THU FEB 4, 8 am-2 pm Info: Tinyurl.com/CSMBudgetTeach-Ins   WED 2/3   THU […]

November 12, 2008

Posted January 26, 2010

Minutes of General Membership/Executive Committee Meeting November 12, 2008, at Skyline College Present: Eric Brenner, Ron Brown, Chip Chandler, Victoria Clinton, Alma Cervantes, Nina Floro, Teeka James, Dan Kaplan, Yaping Li, Monica Malamud, Karen Olesen, Anne Stafford, Elizabeth Terzakis Guests: A. J. Bates, Rick Hough, Jamie Marron, Masao Suzuki, Lezlee Ware, Sita Motipara Meeting began […]

May 2011 Advocate

Posted May 3, 2011

Budget cuts: The good, the bad, and the ugly By Masao Suzuki, AFT 1493 Skyline Chapter Co-Chair With the deadline now passed for a summer vote to extend taxes to balance the budget, the odds of an all-cuts state budget are rising. This would mean more pain for students, faculty, and staff at the San […]

Teach-In: Cañada College: Feb. 3 & 4, 2010

Posted February 1, 2010

TEACH-IN! Public Education and the California Budget Cuts; Save Cañada College Wednesday, February 3, 2010 8-10am-(Bldg. 3-room 142) – Librarian Dave Patterson on the History of Community Colleges/Open Forum. 10am-12 noon-(Bldg. 3-room 142) — Next Steps: College Students and Workers Speak Out. This panel will include students from the budget cuts movement at SFSU, workers […]

October 8, 2008

Posted January 27, 2010

Minutes of General Membership/Executive Committee Meeting October 8, 2008 at Cañada College   Present: Eric Brenner, Chip Chandler, Victoria Clinton, Nina Floro, Katharine Harer, Teeka James, Dan Kaplan, Yaping Li, Monica Malamud, Karen Olesen, Sandra Raeber, Joaquin Rivera, Katie Schertle, Dietra Prater Slack, Anne Stafford, Elizabeth Terzakis Guests: Michael Stanford, Harriet Tucker Meeting began at […]

March 2011 Advocate

Posted March 16, 2011

Thousands rally at capitol against education cuts by Elizabeth Terzakis, Cañada Chapter Co-Chair Two hundred and fifty buses full of college students from all over the state of California converged on Sacramento on March 14 for the yearly March on March in support of public education. The stakes are particularly high this year, given Governor […]

September 10, 2008

Posted January 27, 2010

Minutes of General Membership/Executive Committee Meeting September 10, 2008 at CSM Present: Eric Brenner, Ron Brown, Alma Cervantes, Chip Chandler, Victoria Clinton, Dave Danielson, Nina Floro, Katharine Harer, Teeka James, Dan Kaplan, Yaping Li, Monica Malamud, Karen Olesen, Sandra Raeber, Joaquin Rivera, Katie Schertle, Anne Stafford, Elizabeth Terzakis Guests: Salumeh Eslamieh, Jesus Moya, Mary Stegner, […]

AFT 1493 Endorsement – March 2011

Posted March 16, 2011

AFT 1493 Executive Committee endorses Richard Holober for County Supervisor At its December 2010 meeting, the AFT Local 1493 Executive Committee agreed to endorse Richard Holober, currently the President of the SMCCD Board of Trustees, in his campaign for County Supervisor. In the following article, Holober explains his candidacy. – ed. I am very grateful […]

Introducing New AFT 1493 Leaders

Posted March 16, 2011

Rebecca Webb, CSM Part-Timer Rep. Rebecca Webb became a CSM Part-Timer Co-Representative to the AFT 1493 Executive Committee last semester. We asked her to introduce herself to Advocate readers. Her introduction is below. -ed. I have been a part-time English Instructor at CSM for over five years and have been a college instructor for almost […]

CSM Candlelight Vigil – November 23

Posted December 9, 2009

On Monday evening, November 23, CSM faculty, students and staff organized a candlelight vigil. CSM’s PR website explained that the goal of the event was “to show our support for one another and our solidarity with those working to combat the forces arrayed against public education in California. “The intention was also to make the […]

Highlighting Our Faculty – March 2011

Posted March 16, 2011

Skyline’s ASTEP Math Academy makes a difference in students’ lives to help them achieve academic success “I am committed to my learning. I am responsible to myself, my classmates, my instructors and my community. I am worthy.”– Skyline College ASTEP learning community affirmation (ASTEP = African-American Success Through Excellence and Persistence) Skyline Math Professor Pat […]

SB 114

Posted March 16, 2011

SB 114: Transparency in pay for adjuncts: An approach to achieving equal pay for equal work by Judith Michaels, CFT Legislative Director San Mateo Community College district gives adjunct faculty no salary placement credit for advanced degrees or further professional development study beyond the required state minimum qualifications. This kind of denial of professional progress […]

From the Part-Timer’s Perspective – March 2011

Posted March 16, 2011

The New Faculty Majority and SB 114 by Margaret Hanzimanolis,AFT 1493 Part-time Faculty Organizer Ed. note: This is the inaugural installment of “From the Part-Timers’ Perspective,” which will be a regular Advocate column by Margaret Hanzimanolis, AFT 1493’s new Part-time Faculty Organizer. The numbers are striking: Over half a million contingent faculty nationwide, tipping into […]

An interview with a Madison teacher

Posted March 16, 2011

A personal view of Wisconsin teachers’ fight for collective bargaining rights By Teeka James, AFT 1493 Co-Vice President, accompanying photos by Jennifer James My sister and brother-in-law are secondary school teachers in the Madison Metropolitan School District. Jenny teaches art at an elementary school, and Bill teaches history at a high school. They also have […]

President’s Letter – March 2011

Posted March 16, 2011

Attacks on collective bargaining undermine a basic right for employees: a voice at work by Monica Malamud, AFT 1493 President For several weeks now, we’ve been hearing the grim news about the Wisconsin Governor’s scheme to strip public sector workers, including faculty, of their collective bargaining rights. Unfortunately, similar legislation has been introduced in other […]

Negotiations Update – March 2011

Posted March 16, 2011

Your AFT Negotiating Team has been working for more than a year to hammer out an agreement with the District.  As you know, given the drastic state of funding to education, many school districts have taken drastic measures:  furloughs, salary and/or step freezes, across the board salary cuts, such as at CCSF, and in the […]

Thousands rally at capitol against education cuts

Posted March 16, 2011

by Elizabeth Terzakis, Cañada Chapter Co-Chair Two hundred and fifty buses full of college students from all over the state of California converged on Sacramento on March 14 for the yearly March on March in support of public education. The stakes are particularly high this year, given Governor Jerry Brown’s proposed budget, which cuts spending […]