The Members Have Spoken—Report on the January 8^th Meeting

Frost on the windshields and black ice on the roads did not stand in the way of the adjunct faculty as they headed for the Chateau Briand Saturday morning January 8^th.

I wish every member of the college community could have been present to hear the most intelligent, articulate, and passionate debate as it grew in intensity for more than three hours. The members rose and spoke with such fervor that each voice demonstrated the kind of mettle that is the stuff of which the adjunct faculty is made. I was one proud union president as I listened. The membership is stronger now than ever; more committed now than ever; and determined to stand immutably against the Board of Trustees’ attempt to destroy the union and the college.

At first, there was disagreement as to the best way to organize this fight. But as the debate went on, one thing became obvious. Everyone was united on the core issues:

• The proposal to transfer college courses into adult education will be opposed with every ounce of strength the union has, and is non-negotiable.
• All the other demands submitted by John Gross on November 16^th are also non-negotiable.
• The 0, 0,1,1,1 salary proposal was again rejected outright.

There was universal disdain for Mike Freeman’s missives. At one point, a member rose to say that he would no longer dignify Freeman’s writing with a reading.  “I will delete any e-mail and shred any letter that bears his name,” he said. Freeman’s intent, he thought, was so obvious and his tone so patronizing that it was insulting to read. Those feelings were quite strong.

As everyone recognized that the membership was united in their opposition, the focus turned to the best way to act on that opposition.  While some thought that declining to sign contracts could be most effective, they recognized that the confusion about when to do it, coupled with the fact that some departments had already signed contracts, weaken that approach. By far, the most enthusiastic response was for striking. Members wanted to be forthright about their willingness to strike openly and accept any penalties that would come their way. The only question was one of timing. Some members spoke eloquently about this being the worst possible time to take any action, because the fiscal constraints on the county were such that, with NIFA threatening to freeze all union contracts, we might be spinning our wheels protesting in the face of this county crisis.

In the end, there was consensus. This is not the time. We will act, but for now patience is the order of the day. Like a wrestler, we will secure our grip before moving swiftly and decisively.

Therefore, all adjuncts will sign their individual contracts for the spring semester.

We will gather our strength as we confirm our resolve to oppose this new board chairman as he continues to try to persuade the college community that 12.8% of the budget is too much for the adjunct faculty, that students in need of remediation do not need college professors to teach them, that many college courses belong in adult education, that adjunct teaching loads should be increased, that there should be no reward for longevity, and that there should be more penalties imposed on the adjunct faculty. These are all good things according to Freeman, and he can’t fathom why we don’t understand that he wants to do what is best for us and the college.

Once again, I must praise the membership. They are the best. When the time comes to act, they will act as one and the entire college community will benefit, especially the students. Those who believe that the AFA is a one-man show would have had that notion dispelled by observing the membership in action.

                                                                                                                                    Charles Loiacono