NEGOTIATIONS

On Thursday February 7th the negotiation teams met for the second time this year (C217 from 3:30 pm until 6:00 pm). The CCA (California Community College Association) was represented by Roger Marheine, Suzanne Anderson, Mabel Duncan, Rod Foster, Danny Hamman, Gil Ramos, Cheryl Beard, and Lisa Adams (CCA Advisor) and the District was represented by Ernestine Moore, Jackie Jacobs, Robert Navarro, Jeanie Nishime, Amy Ulmer and Stuart Wilcox.

SCHEDULED MEETING CANCELED

Friday, February 8th (2:00-5:00 pm) meeting was canceled due to the Districts lack of a specific counteroffer. Ernestine Moore stated that she would make an effort to have a counter offer by Wednesday, February 13th (3:30-5:00 pm). However, she could not guarantee that her team would be ready.

*Members are encouraged to visit the website (www.pro-faculty.net) and e-mail Dr. Kossler expressing the urgency of this negotiation cycle.

District RESPONDS TO PCC/CCA COMMUNICATIONS

Ernestine Moore opened the meeting by expressing the District’s concerns over the Union’s open communications with its members. She began reading a lengthy prepared statement. She was concerned about Alan Fry’s presentation to the faculty which occurred on January 24th. The District felt hurt and disappointed by what she termed its personal attacks against Administrators/Managers.

The District’s second concern centered on the Union’s website and flyers distributed from that website. She stated that she visits the website daily. She felt that some of the information was misleading and could damage the bargaining process. Roger Marheine commented that the new Union Board will continue to provide any and all information to its constituents. “After all we are an advocacy group, and our constituents deserve to be informed.” Roger Marheine also informed the District that Alan Fry will be returning to campus to finish his presentation.

*Go to the PCC/CCA website (www.pro-faculty.net) to make suggestions and offer your opinions regarding communications you receive from your Union Board.

District GIVES GENERAL RESPONSE BUT NO SPECIFICS

The District gave a general, ambiguous response to the specific proposals given by the Union last meeting. In essence, there was no counterproposal.

* Go to the PCC/CCA website (www.pro-faculty.net) for the District’s complete response.

PART-TIME AUGMENTATION FUNDS WILL BE GIVEN

The District agreed to apply part-time funds given by the state with a Memo of Understanding (MOU). The (MOU) would read that if the funds become unavailable in future years the augmentation would be removed. On Wednesday, February 13th, negotiator Gil Ramos will give the District the specifics regarding application of these funds to the hourly schedule.

Highlights from Second Meeting

Ernestine Moore: We are committed to a competitive, comprehensive package.
Jackie Jacobs: We would like to give faculty the highest compensation possible. After all, you are part of us.
Roger Marheine: We have an ambitious sports complex, an ambitious sports walk of fame, an ambitious Olympic-size pool, an ambitious sculpture garden – we applaud ambition. Members of the Board of Trustees have conveyed to us that they have been very creative in funding buildings. Couldn’t some of this ambition and creativity be applied to the faculty?
Roger Marheine: I happened to be reading this glossy mailer, informing the general public about the bond measure. Dr. Kossler boasts that PCC is one of the “premiere institutions of the nation”. Faculty makes us premiere!

Ernestine Moore: The District would like to have Vice President of Administrative Services come in and give both teams an understanding of the college’s budget.
Suzanne Anderson: Could both teams agree to an independent, outside analyst to give us that presentation?
Ernestine Moore: We would need to caucus on that one.

Stewart Wilcox: Both teams are new. I don’t know the budget! I would like to know how it works.

15 minute caucus.

Roger Marheine: Our negotiating team is extremely disappointed that your team came to this meeting seemingly unprepared. Our team and advisory board have been meeting for months. We know the budget. We proposed a clear, specific, simple package that deserves a response. We need specifics. Can you give us specifics by tomorrow? If not there is no reason to meet.
Ernestine Moore: We will not be ready by tomorrow.
Suzanne Anderson: Can you have specifics by next Wednesday’s meeting?
Ernestine Moore: We will try.

Call to Action

February 13th is the next negotiations meeting. Go to the website www.pro-faculty.net and e-mail Dr. Kossler and the Board of Trustees with your response to inaction thus far by the District. You can voice your concerns as well at the next General Membership Meeting of the Union on February 14th at 12:00 noon in the Forum.