AFT 1493 ELECTIONS

The AFT is looking for a few good activists to run for union office

The Presidential primaries are not the only elections coming up around here. 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 a Union position, such as a member of the Executive Committee, Chapter Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, Vice-President, or even President, of your Union? In other words, have you ever considered taking an active role in the organization that represents the interests of all faculty in this District? Would you like to contribute to the process of making some positive changes for faculty in this District?

Union office entails various different kinds of tasks and responsibilities, ranging from representing the AFT at the negotiating table to working as a grievance officer, as well as running meetings and doing organizing projects for the Local. Some released time is provided for certain union positions.

The Executive Committee conducts the business of the union at its meetings, and makes recommendations regarding policy to the membership. If you are interested in taking an active role in the decision-making process for the Local, this is the place to do it! The Executive Committee meetings are normally held on the second Wednesday of each month at 2:15 p.m. at each of the different colleges on a rotating basis.

The Chapter Chairs at each of the three colleges bring the concerns of their members to the monthly meeting of the Executive Committee. Work as a Chapter Chair (or Co-Chair) is a good place to begin your work in the Union.
During a two-year term as a member of the Executive Committee, a faculty member would have a good chance to develop or improve their leadership skills. Members of the Local 1493 leadership team have various ways in which to hone their leadership talents: there are CFT conferences that newly elected officers and representatives may attend, as well as a range of workshops sponsored by the Community College Council from time to time. These are both excellent places to meet union activists from other Locals around the state and the country, and to develop new skills at the same time.

AFT Local 1493 is not just the President or a few leaders. It takes many people to make this union work well representing the interests of all of the faculty in this District. Please consider running for a union position, and let’s all make our union stronger and our district a better place to work.