By Jessica Silver-Sharp

In early Fall 2025, after hearing from so many faculty, AFT gathered detailed faculty input around a key concern: our monthly paystubs are far too hard to read. These paystubs, you said, try our patience and take up too much of our valuable time just trying to determine whether we’ve been paid correctly or not. Your feedback filled eight double spaced pages and highlighted unclear categories, inconsistent language, and just how difficult it can be to understand exactly what we’re being paid for. Those working at more than one college also pointed to the added challenge of determining which pay came from which assignment. Some of you shared clearer paystubs from other colleges to show what’s possible.

Since then, AFT has shared your feedback in detail with the colleges and the District,  meeting twice with payroll staff and administrators to press for improvements. We presented a sample “ideal” paystub and urged the District to develop and share a clear explanatory guide—similar to what West Valley/Mission provides their employees—so faculty can better understand their pay. We also emphasized the need for clearer breakdowns for those working across multiple campuses.

There has been some progress. The District has agreed to work toward more consistent language across colleges and is exploring additional earnings codes so different types of work or roles are no longer lumped together. The District has agreed to consider an explanatory guide as well. Challenges remain, including Banner limitations that, according to the District, restrict customization. Still, discussions are ongoing, and this issue remains active. Stay tuned for updates!