December 2022 Advocate: AFT and CSEA build solidarity

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 of both unions have spoken out to the Board of Trustees about the difficulties in bargaining with the district’s chief negotiator and the many reasons why members of each union deserve a fair contract.

Members of both AFT and CSEA met for solidarity lunch events at all three campuses to share each others’ workplace issues and plan how to support each other to win fair contracts for all. Read comments from attendees and see photos of the events.

At the November 30th Board 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.  At the same meeting, CSEA leaders spoke about the need for fairer compensation and benefits offers from the district. Read and watch Michael’s comments and the CSEA leaders’ presentations.

At the December 14th Board 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 movement from the District bargaining team and CSEA Chapter 33 President Annette Perot also expressed the same exasperation with district negotiators’ lack of movement. Watch Monica’s, Joaquin’s and Annette’s statements.