SO-CALLED “RIGHT-TO-WORK” PETITION
A petition drive is currently underway in support of a ballot initiative to make Michigan a “Right-to-Work” State. Supported by far-right, anti-union idealogues, this ballot initiative would allow an employee to avoid paying service fees to a union for negotiating and maintaining contractual benefits and providing due process protection that a union must provide to all employees covered by the contract – members and non-members alike.
What is at stake if Right-to-Work (RTW) becomes law in Michigan?
1. RTW will undermine the economic viability of many unions, as intended by its supporters. Union revenues will decrease but not the Union’s day-to-day functions and the Union’s obligation to represent all employees – members and non-members alike.
2. A diminished union movement and union presence in Michigan will directly and indirectly diminish wages, benefits, and pensions for Michigan workers, including those whose work is teaching at institutions of higher educations.
3. The impact of RTW is clear in Right-to-Work States which have: (1) higher poverty rates, (2) fewer insured, (3) lower education funding, (4) lower wages in general , and (5) lower faculty wages than Michigan.
4. Fewer and weaker unions across Michigan, resulting in diminished wage scales and purchasing power, means an even weaker Michigan economy and reduced State revenues.
The interest of Right-to-Work proponents is to destroy unions and the middle class wages, insurance benefits, and pensions for which unions fight. Note those who support and fund Right-to-Work efforts nationally: Wal Mart, Holland Coors of Coors Beer, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Note those who support Right-to-Work in Michigan: the Mackinaw Center, Richard and Betsy DeVos, the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, the Detroit News, and the CEO of Domino’s Pizza.
Given the anti-union, anti middle class agenda of RTW and the cast of characters who support it, 1650 members are urged to inform their families and friends of the true nature of the “Right-to-Work” movement and the threat it poses to Michigan and the middle class.
John McDonald
HFCC ADJUNCT UNION
The HFCC Adjunct Faculty Organization (AFO) has filed with the Michigan Employment Relations Commission for an election to represent HFCC’s adjunct faculty. The AFO collected authorization cards from a very large majority of the College’s adjunct faculty. Discussions are now underway at MERC to determine those eligible to vote for the adjunct union. However, the College Administration is taking a very negative stance regarding adjuncts to be included in the AFO Union. This only bodes ill for the College and its image in the community.
PIF DRAW REDUCED IN 2008
Due to significantly increased applications for Professional Improvement Funds (PIF), the reimbursement amount next year may be limited to $500. Over the years, PIF reimbursement has risen from $500 to $750 to $955. This was made possible due to limited participation in PIF and limited participation in the 1650 contract’s Tuition Reimbursement Fund, the unexpended monies of which flowed in PIF.
Even with PIF reimbursement at $500, the Fund may not be adequate to reimburse all requests. This was often the case in years past. Consequently, the Federation maintains a rotating PIF Eligibility List. Faculty receiving PIF reimbursement in one year are rotated in order to the bottom of the list for the following year. Also keep in mind that receipts for eligible PIF expenditures are good for 24 months. The application deadline for 2008 PIF is August 15.
Please note that all PIF applications must be accompanied by: (1) a letter itemizing each expenditure and its cost, (2) appropriate receipts, and (3) a brief explanation of how computer hardware/software will be used in fulfilling professional responsibilities.
1650 DUES INCREASE PASSES
The Local 1650 membership voted 165 YES, 21 NO in support of the Executive Board’s recommendation to increase the Local’s dues from 1.1% (.011) of contractual salary to 1.3% (.013) of contractual and all extra-contractual salary. The dues increase should take effect with the January 2008 payroll. As of that date and thereafter, all contractual and extra-contractual compensation (Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer) will be subject to the 1.3% dues rate.
The Executive Board very much appreciates the strong support given this recommendation. The dues increase was necessary to address lost revenue resulting from Voluntary Early Retirement Incentives and increases in State and national affiliation dues. It will allow Local 1650 to eliminate the Local’s deficit, rebuild a fund balance, and continue to represent the interests of College faculty on campus and in the community.
NEW CONTRACT STRENGTHENS COMMUNITY SERVICE FUND
As a community college, HFCC seeks to establish constructive connections with the Dearborn community in many ways that extend far beyond the education of its residents in our classes. Valued highly is community service provided by HFCC employees, a priority that has been reflected for quite some time in 1650's contractual Community Service Fund.
In the new 2007-2012 contract, the Community Service Fund was strengthened considerably. No longer a grant coming out of the Professional Improvement Fund, it now is a separate fund budgeted by the Board. Through this fund, teachers can receive a grant of up to $250 annually to defray the costs of membership dues in non-sectarian community service organizations based in the College District and are eligible for extra funds up to $20 weekly to pay for meals associated with those organizations’ meetings. Teachers will follow a process similar to PIF’s to request such compensation. The Local hopes that the additional financial support spurs its members to become increasingly active in such community service. A list of Dearborn Service Clubs with contact information is available through the Local 1650 office, x9666, and the Local 1650 website: hfccft1650.org.
AFT-MICHIGAN LOBBY DAY 2008
Several teachers who have participated in AFT-Michigan Lobby Day in the past have asked about the 2008 date. Mark your calendars: AFT-Michigan Lobby Day will be on Tuesday, April 22, at the Lansing Center.
AFT-MICHIGAN AND AFT NATIONAL CONVENTIONS
The AFT-Michigan Convention will be held May 2-3 at the Sheraton Hotel in downtown Detroit. Local 1650 is entitled to nine delegates.
The AFT National Convention will be held July 10-14 in Chicago. Local 1650 is entitled to three delegates.
If you are interested in running for delegate to either or both of these conventions, please notify the Local 1650 office in writing no later than March 24.
LOCAL 1650 APPAREL
If you want to show your support for your union, in style, the Federation has lightweight jackets, polo shirts, and baseball caps available for purchase: jackets @ $60, shirts @ $25, and hats @ $15.
Stop by the Local 1650 office to check sizes, purchase, and show an HFCC education is “union made.".