STCC Professional Association

Membership Meeting

Call to Order:  The meeting was called to order at 12:28
Location: 13/114
Attendance:  30 members signed in

Reports: 

Secretary, Dan Emerson
The minutes for the September 20, 2006 meeting were accepted and passed.

Treasurer, Ken Czuchra
K. Czuchra reported that the STCC/PA’s current net worth is identical to last month’s.  However, we are awaiting an upcoming dues remittal.  The treasurer’s report was accepted and passed.

Business:

Meeting Format –  The format of the meetings is being adjusted in order to allot more time for member participation and for addressing member needs/concerns.  R. Rodgers stressed that increased member participation is vital for the union to be successful.

BOT Retreat – R. Rodgers spoke at the annual Board of Trustees retreat regarding the role of the union and the future of STCC.  R. Rodgers sees the shift in BOT leadership leading to a more active Board.  If anyone has items they wish to bring to the BOT’s attention, please email R. Rodgers.  All will be done anonymously.

Areas of concern in new contract – R. Rodgers reported that questions have been raised about the new workload forms, a draft of which may be being used by management.  Similar problems have been noted with the more preps “volunteer” statement.  R. Rodgers urged the membership not to sign such a statement.  He fears that management may be gathering workload data for use against the membership in the next contract negotiations.  In response to questions, R. Rodgers answered that new contract pay will be seen sometime in the spring and that the 45 day period for signing the contract is counted in calendar days from whenever A&F releases the contract to the governor.  Moreover, these issues do not hold for those under a grant.

SCE/adjunct pay concerns – E. Brown brought several adjunct issues before the membership.  He first noted that every meeting centered on full-time faculty.  The union also needs to address adjunct issues.  In particular, adjuncts receive a significant reduction in pay for lower class size (and no additional pay for courses over the cap).  We may be the only Massachusetts community college left with this policy, and there is a need for uniformity for all colleges.  Although this issue is being "studied," money remains the motive.  The college is not converting adjuncts to full-time notwithstanding the fact that many adjuncts teach more than full-time.  We are also losing quality teachers as a result of this policy.
A motion was made for a resolution for R. Rodgers to take this issue to MACER and the Board of Trustees and to impress upon them the need for action.  This motion was seconded and passed.  Afterwards, Eric Brown received expressions of appreciation from the membership.  He was also encouraged to speak to Michelle Gallagher to gain additional information.

Endorsement of Gubernatorial Candidate – R. Albano reminded the membership about the importance of the upcoming elections at the gubernatorial, local, and district levels.  Referencing the SAC group meeting, R. Albano stressed how much our governor affects our field including our students, healthcare, and bargaining agreement.  She noted that the governor makes BHE, Labor, and Retirement appointments, and influences K-12 and higher education funding.  An “Elections Matter” handout was provided for the membership.  It was again emphasized that our votes matter.

N. Camerota noted that the MTA has endorsed and the MCCC probably will endorse Deval Patrick for governor.  He wants Patrick to think about STCC first when he thinks about community colleges.  STCC represents potential for the recovery of Western Massachusetts.  N. Camerota asked the membership whether they would be willing to 1) issue a separate endorsement of Patrick and 2) invite Patrick to Rosa Parks Day.  The following motion was put forth:  Be it resolved that the STCC/PA officially endorses Deval Patrick for governor.  This motion was seconded and passed.  A motion was also initiated to formally invite Deval Patrick to Rosa Parks Day.  This motion was seconded and passed.  Some discussion took place about Healey and whether or not she should be asked.  The consensus was against doing so.

Censure of MCCC Board – D. Emerson raised concerns regarding the MCCC and its handling of the latest contract.  Although initially supporting the contract, he now feels that the membership had been misguided if not misled by the MCCC.  In particular, while J. LeBlanc told the membership that “75% is not dead,” by agreeing to this contract the membership in fact granted amnesty for all past contracts.  D. Emerson stressed that the MCCC is accountable to us and that we need to voice our displeasure at the manner in which this contract was presented to the membership.  It was suggested that an ad hoc committee be formed to glean the membership’s feelings on this issue and potentially draft a letter to be brought back before the membership for review.

 

The meeting adjourned at 1:35. 
The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday November 29th during the college hour.

Secretary,
Daniel Emerson