A message from PSC President Barbara Bowen
November 20, 2017
Earlier today I sent a formal request to Bill Thompson, Chairperson of the CUNY Board of Trustees, to begin negotiations for a new contract.
The letter calls on the CUNY Board to settle a contract with a 5% raise in each year; additional salary increases for those who are lowest-paid; an increase to $7,000 per course for adjuncts; improved job security; material support for department chairs; and improved working conditions for all. The letter also reminds the Board that we will not tolerate excessive delays in this round of bargaining.
Now it’s up to you to show how serious you are about winning these demands. Make a commitment right now to be part of the PSC demonstration outside the next Board of Trustees meeting, on Monday, December 4 (download a flier). We need to start strong.
Deciding to come to the demonstration is a question of priorities. We make lots of things a priority in our lives. I am asking you to prioritize your own salary and working conditions: if better pay and job protections are a priority for you, you need to be there on December 4.
The CUNY Board, the Governor and the Mayor will make their first assessment of how important the PSC’s contract agenda is in this round by counting how many PSC members come out to the demonstration. If you are not there, you will not be counted.
Read the letter to Chairperson Thompson and signal your assent by pledging to come to the December 4 demonstration. Come for yourself, come for your future, come for those who count on you.
I’ll see you on Monday, December 4.
In solidarity,
Barbara Bowen President, PSC
