The circumstances we face today remind us of the importance of unions in general and the Faculty Guild in particular. Guild members were represented as we worked with our LACCD Labor Caucus to issue a demand to the Chancellor that all District employees have safe working conditions. Our EDD assistance program got off to an earlier-than-usual start to help our colleagues navigate the process of applying for unemployment.
Faculty Guild members from campuses across the District have been observing contract negotiations via Zoom. These open negotiations have given faculty members a first-hand experience of what the process entails and lets management know that Local 1521 members are watching. Bargaining is crucially important, as it affects our working conditions and student success.
Faculty Guild contract campaign meetings are coordinated by Contract Action Team [CAT] organizers on each campus. Watch for bulletins with instructions on how to observe upcoming bargaining sessions.
For more information and to RSVP for campus CAT meetings and/or negotiations, email organizer@aft1521.org
Is Your Pension Safe? A Message From Your Guild Treasurer
In these uncertain times, faculty have asked, “Is my pension going to be there when I retire?”
We put the question to Sharon Hendricks, 1521 Guild Treasurer and Retirement Liaison. She is also currently the Chair of the CalSTRS Retirement Board.
The Guild’s EDD Ombudsperson, Anthony Amey, has created a presentation to provide adjunct faculty with information on filing for unemployment insurance. View it here.
Amey is also holding the following sessions on Unemployment Insurance - COVID-19 in May and June:
We have asked several of our members about their experiences dealing with the challenges of distance learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. Click here to read the reply from Bernadette Tchen at City College and be sure to check out the Guild's Facebook page to hear from other members.
The Guild will hold its annual membership meeting via Zoom on Friday, May 29 from 9 am to 12 pm.
On the agenda:
State of the Faculty Guild
Officer reports
Negotiations update
Recognition of retirees and newly-tenured faculty
RSVP to rsalazar@aft1521.org to receive the Zoom log-in information and be sure we have your current mailing address to send you some essentials for our new environment.
Election Results
The results of the 2020 Guild election have been announced and are posted on our website. Thanks to all the candidates who participated in the Guild’s election process, and congratulations to the elected District-wide officers, chapter presidents, executive board delegates and alternates elected for the 2020-2022 term of office.
There will be a runoff for Chapter President at West LA College between Timothy M. Russell and Grace Chee. Ballots will be mailed to West LA faculty on May 5, 2020. Runoff ballots must be received by May 19th at the American Arbitration Association. The winner will be announced on May 20, 2020. If you do not receive a ballot, contact Reyna Gonzalez at rgonzalez@aft1521.org.
Motion Passed by the Guild at the Executive Board Meeting on February 18, 2020
Contribute $1,500 to Lorena Gonzalez, Assembly District 80
No motions were passed at the Executive Board meeting of March 17, 2020
