Layoffs in excess of 400 employees were recently announced at the Department of Developmental Services (DDS).  The layoffs are largely the result of an agency decision to privatize 20 group homes.  This continues the agency’s trend toward privatization, with nearly two-thirds of state-run group homes to be privatized.  No A&R titles have been impacted by the DDS layoffs thus far.  The expectation is that there will be some level of impact to A&R, but DDS has not informed us of any A&R positions that will be impacted by layoff.  We are monitoring the situation and remain cautious

Unions must expand beyond narrow bargaining to challenge those who hold wealth and power at the highest levels. by Saqib Bhatti & Stephen Lerner (READ...)

The Rowland settlement consists of two basic components, (1) Emotional Distress/Punitive Damages and (2) Economic Damages.  By now, everyone should have received the emotional distress/punitive damage award in the form of vacation days and/or personal days.  We are aware that most members have not yet received an offer to settle the Economic Damages portion of the award.  The Economic Damages payments are forthcoming, but have been delayed due to the complexity of processing them.  Members will be compensated for delayed payments by receiving 5% simple interest when their award is paid.

AAFMCC recently reached a “Letter of Agreement” with MCC regarding the union’s Tuition Reimbursement Program (TRP).  While members will still be partially reimbursed for classes taken here at MCC they can now also be partially reimbursed for classes taken at any four year accredited institution in the United States.  Details of the program can be viewed in the easy-view chart below.  E-mail Jeff Kass at aafmccvp@gmail.com with any questions.

In Solidarity,
AAFMCC Executive Board

At the negotiations table the union has proposed reasonable wage increases, increments, and the payment of top step bonuses in each year of our successor contract.  Wages, increments, and top step bonuses are among our highest priorities.  Negotiations are ongoing, with the outcome yet to be determined.  Any settlement reached between the State and the Union needs the approval of the membership.  Absent a settlement, the successor contract will be determined via arbitration award.  We are well positioned for either scenario.

Save the date!  Thursday September 22, 2016

UCC Chapter Co-President Nancy Merrill at the AFT Convention

UCC Chapter Co-President Bill Lipkin at the AFT Convention

Bill and Nancy celebration AFT’s 100th anniversary

UAFNJ Secretary/Treasurer Bill Lipkin accepting the 2016 “Pride of the Union" award from Randi Weingarten for the large increase in UAFNJ membership

UAFNJ President Elaine Bobrove at the AFT Convention in Minneapolis

UAFNJ President Elaine Bobrove and Secretary/Treasurer Bill Lipkin celebrating 100 year anniversary of AFT

PSUFA is a union of Adjunct Faculty who work less than half-time (0.50 FTE) at Portand State University. Founded in 1978, we were one of the first unions to represent part-time faculty.