Participate in Your Union Decision-Making! Join DA and COPE meetings on Tues 5/14

COPE – Committee on Political Education, NOTE NEW TIME. 12:00-3pm, Tuesday, 5/14 on Zoom (agenda here)

Want to hear Mayoral candidates Aaron Peskin, Daniel Lurie, and Ahsha Safaí speak about their vision for City College? Then participate in your union’s Committee on Political Education Meeting next Tuesday–learn, listen, and ask questions of Mayoral and Supervisor candidates for office this November. This is a chance to participate in your union’s democratic process and help shape the future of our city and our college. All members are encouraged to attend.

DA – Delegate Assembly 3-5 PM, Tuesday 5/14 on Zoom (agenda here)

Participate in your union’s Delegate Assembly to share insights on enrollment in your department, brainstorm solutions, hear important updates about the restoration of your salary concessions from 21-22, and help shape the direction of your union’s organizing going forward. Together, we can build a stronger City College for the good of our students and city. All members are encouraged to attend.

You can use the same link as for other COPE & DA meetings – follow this link from your computer or smartphone. Meeting ID: 810 1671 8065, Password: 783119.

Full link for both meetings: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81016718065?pwd=UFk0SzdUY2FLdXdLL2RLZW1wdnhRZz09#success

CFT Unemployment Insurance Workshop for AFT Members Thurs 5/16

Event May 16, 2024 – 3:30pm – 5:00pm CFT Training Department

Did you know you can collect unemployment over the summer if you are a part time faculty member at CCSF? This Unemployment Insurance Workshop will guide contingent faculty through the online unemployment filing process, for both new and reopened claims. How to deal with phone interviews, denials, and appeals will also be covered. All part timers are encouraged to attend.

Register here

Presenter: John Govsky, a CFT vice president, has many years of experience researching, writing about, and assisting contingent faculty with unemployment issues.

Join Union Allies & Mobilize for Connie Chan this Saturday at 11am

As the union of CCSF instructors, librarians, and counselors, you voted to endorse Connie Chan for re-election as District 1 San Francisco Supervisor because she has stood up stronger leadership and better accountability at our college. She’s also shown up tirelessly for the needs of our students.

This Saturday, May 11, join labor allies from around the city in mobilizing for Connie Chan. This is a pivotal election in November, and City College needs allies like Connie Chan.

FACCC Symposium on a Unified Faculty Model

The Faculty Association of California Community Colleges encourages all faculty, union and academic senate leaders to attend it’s Part Time Faculty Symposium on the Unified Faculty Model, also known as a one-tier model. Topics include the benefits of “One-Tier” for full-time faculty, students, and community colleges. Flyer here.

Friday, May 10 | 2:00 – 5:00 P.M. | Free, Virtual Event | REGISTER HERE

Restoration Checks Are Here!

Collective union power–that is how you today received a salary restoration for 21-22.

Back when the impacts of the COVID pandemic on our economy and college budgets were extremely uncertain, an overwhelming majority of faculty voted to take wage concessions for the good of our fellow colleagues and–we believed–the good of the college. This was done with the stipulation that if the college’s financial situation ended up being better than expected, the District would reinstate the faculty’s concessions.

Ultimately the Budget Office’s doom and gloom forecasts did not materialize, and the college ended the 2021/2022 school year with a budget surplus. Despite this, it took a successful Unfair Labor Practice judgment, substantial pressure through your union contract campaign, and the power of collective action through a building strike threat to get the District to step up and follow through on their agreement.

When faculty work together on shared goals, we win. It has been a long time coming, and took far more work than it should have, but faculty finally today received restoration of their 2021/2022 wage concessions in this April paycheck.

The District has informed AFT that–with a few exceptions who have already been notified–current faculty should all have received pay restoration in the 4/30/24 pay cycle. Faculty who have retired, been laid off or who have otherwise separated from employment at the college since July 2021 may not receive their checks in this cycle. We are hopeful that the payroll department will be able to complete the remainder of the concessions repayments by the end of May, and will of course update our community when we have more definitive information.

Unfortunately, it appears that, without warning, the District has not followed the negotiated terms of our agreement in processing our pay restoration. In a sampling of paychecks, AFT has verified correct calculation of gross pay, but a 10.25% deduction for CalSTRS instead of the stipulated 8-9%. AFT has sent a request for information to the District to understand why this was done and to initiate the process of correction/adjustment.

Any current faculty who expected but did not receive restoration of the 2021/2022 wage concessions should report it here. This form automatically sends a copy to payroll and AFT for follow up.

Working together–that is how you won the full restoration of your salary for 21-22, a 14% raise, and paid parental leave for the first time. Our power as faculty is in our community. That is how we fight for our contract, students, and college.

AFT 2121 Leadership Election Results

The results are in! Here is your elected leadership for 2024-2026.

PRESIDENT Mary Bravewoman

VICE-PRESIDENT Robin Pugh

SECRETARY Holly Stevens

TREASURER Fanny Law

EXECUTIVE BOARD (Reps-at-Large)
Adele Failes-Carpenter, Alan D’Souza, Erik Christianson, Maura Devlin-Clancy, Megan Sweeney

LABOR COUNCIL DELEGATES
Alan D’Souza, Erik Christianson, Malaika Finkelstein, William (Bill) Shields

AFT CONVENTION DELEGATES Erik Christianson, Robin Pugh

PROPOSED AMENDMENTS to CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS – Passed

Precinct Representatives

Precinct 1: Community and Adult Ed (ESL, Older Adults, Transitional Studies, International)
Carla Crocomo, Carolyn Cox, Melissa McPeters & Wynn Newberry

Precinct 2: Languages & Communications (English, Journalism, Communications, World Languages & Cultures)
Darren Keast & Jen Levinson

Precinct 3: Library + Culinary
Andrea Niosi

Precinct 5: Math
Amy McClanahan

Precinct 6: Business, Computer Technology, & Contract Ed (Business, CNIT, Computer Science & Contract Ed)
Maura Devlin-Clancy

Precinct 7: Nursing (RN & LVN)
Jennifer Hong

Precinct 9: DSPS & Student Health
Galina Gerasimova

Precinct 10: Lab Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Astronomy, Earth Sciences)
Karl Westerberg, Torrey Glenn

Precinct 11: Counseling
Julissa Viñals

Precinct 12: Evans (Auto, Construction Trades, Custodian)
Stephen Brady

Precinct 13: Admin Justice & Fire Science
Wilfred Williams

Precinct 15: PE/Athletics/Dance
Jimmy Collins

Precinct 16: Ethnic Studies & Social Justice (IDST, Ethnic Studies, Health Ed, Labor Studies, Women & Gender Studies)
Marco Mojica

Precinct 19: Performing Arts (Music, Theater, Cinema)
Anjali Sundaram

Precinct 20: Design (BEMA, VMD, Horticulture)
Monique Comacchio

Retiree Chapter Chair Ann Killebrew

Retiree Chapter Vice-Chair Merle Burnick

Retiree Chapter Treasurer & Secretary These positions were elected via write-in and will be announced soon.

Retiree Chapter Precinct Rep Doug Orr

Retiree Chapter AFT 2121R Delegate to 2024 AFT Convention Ann Killebrew

AFT 2121 Elders Speak! An Oral History

We hope you’ve marked your calendar for AFT 2121’s end of year party and celebration, May 17, 4-6:30pm at Pierre Coste.

Part of our celebration will include updates on our union oral history project: AFT 2121 Elders Speak! This project allows current and future members to learn of past travails and triumphs by our union via video, panel presentation and song and dance. Come, honor and learn from our elders and have a good time celebrating our union’s 50+ year history. For more information, contact Bill Shields at billshieldssf@gmail.com.

May Day events

In much of the world, May 1 is known as International Workers Day. This is an opportunity to join with our siblings in labor around the world to celebrate what can happen when we come together for the good of all.

Here are some local May 1 events being organized by Bay Area Labor for Palestine:

• 10am-2PM March in SF, 24th and Mission, sponsored by Jobs for Justice, Mujeres Unidas, Living Wage Coalition, and many others.

• 2pm March in Oakland, 1301 Clay St – Oakland Federal Building, sponsored by Sin Fronteras.

• 4pm Oakland Port Shutdown, meet at West Oakland BART

Voting for Union Leadership Ends Monday!

You have until Monday, April 29, to vote for your union leadership, and to be clear: all union members should vote! This is your voice and your union.

Eligible voters should have received a ballot via email with the subject line “AFT Local 2121 – Leadership Elections 2024.” If AFT has your cell number, you may have also received an SMS message to vote. These contain a unique link that lets you vote anonymously. You can also search your inbox for “ElectionBuddy” to find your email ballot. If you have problems locating your ballot notification, email ElectionBuddy Support at aft2121@electionbuddy.com.

End of Year Restoration of Pay Party, Friday May 17, from 4-6:30pm at Pierre Coste

Mark your calendar for AFT 2121’s end of year party and celebration, May 17, 4-6:30pm at Pierre Coste.

This party will be a celebration of summer and of the power of collective action. While we didn’t win everything we wanted this year, we made significant progress and that was only possible because we stood together. From restoring our salaries for 21-22 to winning significant raises to expanding faculty health care, we fought for a stronger City College for the good of our students, contract, and city. Let’s celebrate that Friday May 17 at Pierre Coste 4-6:30pm. All faculty are welcome.

Committee on Political Education: Vote on your Union’s Political Positions

Vote and help decide your union’s position on these important races/measures that will shape San Francisco’s political and policy environment. These policies have profound impacts on the communities we serve and the future of CCSF. Vote here.

At yesterday’s COPE, members in attendance made the following recommendations for endorsements:

1. BART Board: A dual endorsement for BART Board for candidates Edward Wright and Joe Sangirardi.

Both candidates brought forth visions for the future of BART including safer stations, reducing fairs, and long term fiscal sustainability.

2. Yes on Rent Control was endorsed for the 2024 ballot.

This would take the policy of rent control away from state policy makers in Sacramento and empower cities and counties to make their own decisions on rent control policies that best serve their communities.

3. Endorsed putting a San Francisco charter amendment on the ballot for reforming the San Francisco redistricting commission.

This ballot measure would reform the redistricting commission with the aim of creating a truly independent redistricting commission by removing political appointments, adding randomized selection, and imposing conflict-of-interest criteria as well as prohibitions on relationships with elected officials. Changes would go into effect for the next redistricting process following the 2030 census.

Vote here.

Solidarity Asks from Higher Education Labor United (HELU)

The precarious/non-tenure workforce is now 75% of faculty nationwide, and higher education administrators continue to use this trend to undermine the full-time faculty workforce. We’ve seen this firsthand at City College. Higher Education Labor United is a new organization formed last year to deal directly with the growing and urgent problem of adjunctification and contingency in higher education.

For more information on HELU see here, and see their latest solidarity asks with faculty around the nation fighting for faculty rights.

Take action with HELU:

1. 1. Portland State University faces cuts; Send letters to support PSU-AAUP workers

      2. Protect Free Speech and Shared Governance at Arizona’s Public Universities

3. Academic Freedom Under Attack in Texas: Sign the open letter in support of Jairo Fúnez-Flores

Medical Reimbursement for PT Faculty who Work at Multiple Colleges

Last April, the AFT 2121 bargaining team won a major expansion in medical benefits for PT faculty. Faculty who work 40% or more at CCSF are now eligible for benefits. Under new state funding rules that CFT and faculty across California won in 2022, this deal brought in new ongoing money to the college.

Many faculty work high loads but split their time between various colleges, and are ineligible for benefits at any one school. This agreement has a helpful provision. If you work 40% or more, and you pay for your own insurance, you may be eligible for partial reimbursement. Click here for eligibility and reimbursement details.

For reimbursement, you will need to provide HR with proof of your load and the insurance premiums you pay. Go to the HR Benefits page and click on “Medical and Vision Benefits”. There’s a link to the form at the bottom of that section. Faculty seeking this reimbursement will need to turn in the form for every semester and must submit it before the end of the fiscal year on June 30.

CalSTRS Retirement Workshop for Full and Part-time Faculty–April 26th @ 3:30pm via Zoom

AFT 1521 CalSTRS Retirement Workshop in collaboration with CFT Community College Council (CCC):
Friday, April 26, 2024
3:30pm – 5:00pm
Register online today!

Restoration of your 21-22 Salary Cut this Month

Within and across departments, as a community, you fought for and won a new contract that includes a full restoration of your salary cut in 2021-22.

The Payroll Department has confirmed that the majority of faculty who are owed a restoration will receive one in their April paychecks. For a few faculty with a more complex calculation, there may be a delay beyond this.

All faculty who took a pay cut in 21-22 will be receiving a full restoration of that cut.

Stay tuned for more information on an end of the year party in May, where we will be celebrating all of the hard work that made this win possible.

Vote now on AFT 2121 Leadership!

Every two years your faculty union elects new leadership. This is a call to all members to participate in one of the most important functions of our democratic structure–voting!

Eligible voters should have received a ballot via email with the subject line “AFT Local 2121 – Leadership Elections 2024.” If AFT has your cell number, you may have also received an SMS message to vote. These contain a unique link that lets you vote anonymously. You can also search your inbox for “ElectionBuddy” to find your email ballot. If you have problems locating your ballot notification, email ElectionBuddy Support at aft2121@electionbuddy.com. The election will close at 11:59 PM on Monday, April 29.

By working together, we made some great progress this year with a new contract, significant raises, increased health care coverage, and more. We also know there is far more we can achieve as a community to make City College better for faculty and for students.

Support the Asian Coalition Annual Scholarship

Asian Coalition Annual Scholarship & Fundraising Dinner
Friday, May 3, 2024: Taste of Fusion Restaurant
3497 Balboa Street, No-host Bar at 5:30pm, Dinner at 6 PM
Please RSVP by April 20, 2024 by emailing Kit Dai, kdai@ccsf.edu

The Asian Coalition Scholarship Fundraising dinner is back! After years of being on hold through the COVID-19 pandemic and post pandemic, it is time to gather and celebrate our students and each other.  

The AC dinner provides the opportunity for the CCSF community to get together to share good food, make new friends and network, and remember why we do what we do. The cost of the dinner is $100.00 (General public) and $75.00 (Students). Make checks payable to CCSF Asian Coalition. Mail checks to Quinci Lee, 808 Kearny Street, San Francisco, CA 94108 or pay at the door with advance-reservations. The proceeds from our dinner helps to fund our scholarship program.

The Asian Coalition (AC) is an organization at CCSF and its membership is comprised of CCSF administrators, faculty, classified, and students. Our mission is to promote understanding and appreciation of the ethnic and cultural diversity of the San Francisco Community College District.  

Participate in Your Union Decision-Making! Join DA and COPE meetings on Tues 4/23

COPE – Committee on Political Education 1:30-3pm, Tuesday 4/23 on Zoom

Meet candidates for local office and weigh in on the political direction of your union–this is a chance to learn and discuss how these community connections can impact your work, your union, and your college. COPE agenda here.

DA – Delegate Assembly 3-5 PM, Tuesday 4/23 on Zoom

Discuss AFT’s latest Budget Analysis of City College to find out why the future is not as bleak as some local media outlets would lead the public to believe! You can also ask your questions about the upcoming repayment of faculty concessions from the 2021/2022 school year. All AFT members are encouraged to attend. DA agenda here.

You can use the same link as for other COPE & DA meetings – follow this link from your computer or smartphone. Meeting ID: 810 1671 8065, Password: 783119.

Full link for both meetings: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81016718065?pwd=UFk0SzdUY2FLdXdLL2RLZW1wdnhRZz09#success

Educator Housing in San Francisco–Take the Survey Today

MEDA Community Real Estate is excited to bring a potential opportunity for San Francisco educators to access intergenerational wealth-building opportunities through homeownership.

CCSF Educator Housing Survey at 2205 Mission St. → https://forms.gle/tSZZyEmjLG6TyWzA8

Dear City College Community,

City College is the largest and most accessible source of workforce training and higher ed degrees in San Francisco–that is a mission worthy of effective leadership.

Leadership means not performing for the press. It means not perpetuating inaccurate and damaging ‘doom loop’ narratives about our college and city for political or professional gain.

Leadership is facing facts, and working with communities to solve problems on the basis of those facts. That’s how you stand up for the good of our city and students, and that work starts with a basic understanding of City College’s finances.

Over the past 3 years, AFT 2121 has developed its own budget projections and analysis, which have been far more accurate than those from CCSF’s administration. See our latest analysis here, and below for highlights:

• In 2023-24, City College is projected to to have a $5 million surplus, and reserves of $24.1 million or 12% of total spending

• Over the next 5 years, we project City College to run a series of surpluses, and to end 2028 with net reserves of $52.6 million or 25.95% of total spending

The fact is that City College is fiscally stable–what it needs is leadership with a better vision for the future than unnecessary downsizing and austerity. City College needs to invest in our in-demand programs, from Nursing to Construction, so our college and city can prosper together.

In 2025, City College’s funding will change–the end of ‘Hold Harmless’ means CCSF revenue will be frozen at 2025 levels until we can grow enrollment enough to be funded under the state’s new funding formula. Over the past two years, short-sighted cuts mean that our college has turned away thousands of students from programs such as Computer Networking, English, and Construction.

For the good of our city and the long term finances of our college, this has to change. We are in a crucial time right now–investing in strategic enrollment growth over the next two years will bring key long term funding returns and ensure we’re again meeting San Francisco’s demand. That’s why AFT 2121 has launched an enrollment campaign, and it’s why we’re again sharing with you our annual analysis of the state of the college’s present and future finances.

Stay tuned for more, and in unity,

AFT 2121

Nominate Your Colleagues for AFT Leadership: General Membership Meeting Tues 3/19 3-5pm on Zoom

As faculty, you’re well aware: this is a critical moment for City College. Does your department have everything it needs to meet student/community demand? For far too many of us, the answer is no.

Our college needs change, and the best place to effect change is with your union. It’s time to step up for the good of your students, your program, and frankly the quality of your own life at City College.

Nominate the faculty best equipped to work for a college that works for us all tomorrow at AFT’s General Membership Meeting from 3-5pm on Zoom. At the meeting, you will have a chance to nominate faculty for pivotal AFT leadership roles, whether it’s as an Officer, an Executive Board Member, or Precinct Representative.

1. Zoom link for AFT General Membership Meeting, Tuesday, 3/19, 3-5pm on Zoom

2. AFT Election Calendar with Key Dates on Your Union Election

From fighting to increase your department’s budget so you have the sections needed to meet demand, or continuing to work for the competitive salaries you deserve, you have power in your union. Let’s come together tomorrow to ensure our union has the leaders it will take to fight for the college our students deserve.