What Has the Union Done for You Lately?

Thanks for all You Do

by Kevin McCandless EVC Faculty

During the Fall 2009 semester the Payroll Department informed me that I would not be receiving a pay increase this year. To the contrary, due to an error made by Human Resources in 2006, I would be expected to give money to the San Jose / Evergreen Valley Community College District. As a new homeowner, the timing of this proposed “pay cut” was extremely unfortunate.

Just before I began pulling my hair out (and playing the lottery), Barbara Hanfling of the Faculty Association, AFT 6157 contacted me, and she insisted that we meet and discuss the situation. During our meetings, Barbara was very supportive and she helped me understand the relevant sections of the faculty bargaining agreement and the legalities involved. We discussed my work history and possible alternatives and pathways to help alleviate the financial pressure I was soon to experience.

Negotiations between the FA Union and the District ensued, and the Union took a firm stance on my behalf to protect my rights and defend my position. The Union reached an effective agreement, and it produced results far beyond my hopes and expectations. This experience has helped me realize the value of our Union, and I am greatly appreciative for all those involved who supported me through such a volatile situation.

Support When You Really Need It

by Deborah Kennedy-SJCC Adjunct Art Instructor

During my Master’s in Fine Arts program, I worked as a teaching assistant, a job I fell into without much thought. At the beginning, it was nerve-wracking—lecturing in front of a room of curious eyes, uncertain of what I had to offer. Over the years I developed my courses and gradually realized I did have meaningful ideas to offer my students. I strive to make my classes relevant to my students, pointing out ways learning art history or drawing can help them understand themselves and the world more deeply and have fuller lives. Sometimes it seems to work.

Last year while handing me his final exam, a student said with a slightly annoyed tone, “Who would have thought Art History could be interesting!” Happily, it seems, I had reached him in spite of his expectations—a very satisfying moment. However, I recently realized, my satisfaction is much more than a few scattered moments. I actually enjoy teaching more every year. How many people can say that about their jobs?

Unfortunately, last semester these reveries were disrupted by the news that I was not going to be offered my two regular classes in the Spring semester. Under pressure from budget cuts, dire decisions were being handed down with little discussion. I contacted Barbara Hanfling, the Director of the Faculty Association, AFT 6157, and I found a strong supporter. She discussed my load and seniority issues with the department. Emails ricocheted back and forth and I was offered another course. I am deeply grateful to be teaching two classes this semester, doing what I love.

Personally, I appreciate the union’s support, and I am relieved not to have lost a substantial part of my income, but when I remember President Carter’s observation that, “Every advance in this half-century: Social Security, civil rights, Medicare, aid to education... one after another came with the support and leadership of American Labor,” I then realize how and why being a union member has been the right choice for me.