PSC Defending Academic Freedom
When doctoral student Kristofer Petersen-Overton’s assignment to teach a graduate-level class called “Politics of the Middle East” was rescinded after the administration received a letter from a politician opposed to his appointment, the PSC spoke out in defense of academic freedom. The Brooklyn College chapter also issued a statement and is working closely with campus governance leaders and the Political Science department to organize a unified response on campus. The union will use every tool at our disposal to defend the academic freedom of Mr. Petersen-Overton—and of every member of the CUNY faculty, whether full-time or part-time. As our contract negotiations progress, the PSC will work tenaciously to ensure that contingent faculty receive built-in, contractual protections that allow them to remain critical and independent thinkers.
Union, Management Hold First Bargaining Session
The PSC and CUNY held their first bargaining session for a new contract on Wednesday, January 26. The old contract expired on October 20, 2010, but under State law all its provisions remain in place until a successor agreement is negotiated. A report on the session appears on the new website.
“The first session, on preliminary matters, went smoothly but it’s clear that this will not be a short or easy process,” said PSC President Barbara Bowen. “The active involvement of the union’s membership in this contract campaign will make the difference in our ability to win the kind of contract we deserve,” she said.
For more on the union’s demands see the contract special section in the December 2010 issue of Clarion. Visit the new PSC website to find out the latest on the PSC’s Committee of 500 and how you can get involved in its organizing work to help win a fair and just contract.
Check Out the New PSC Website
It’s live! The new psc-cuny.org is easier to navigate, fuller in content and more engaging. We’ve worked hard to make the new website a vibrant, collaborative space, where the local activists, chapters and committees who make our union strong have a much higher profile. The depth and breadth of our union work and the diversity and creativity of our members are just a click away. Our new system gives you the power to personalize the website by creating a “My PSC” account that connects you instantly to the union news and events that most interest you.
Cuomo’s Budget – and What You Can Do About It
Governor Andrew Cuomo will present his proposed budget for the 2011-2012 fiscal year this Tuesday afternoon. Cuomo has already signaled that he will call for wage freezes and deep cuts in spending on public services, and will oppose extending the state’s “millionaire’s tax” – even though most New Yorkers support it. Check the new PSC website for an update later this week.
This Friday, February 4, you can join the union’s rapid response to the governor’s budget proposal. Throughout the day, PSC members will be meeting directly with State legislators in their local district offices in New York City. To join a grassroots delegation in your area on Friday, February 4, contact Sue Delgiorno.
Member-lobbying efforts are also scheduled in Albany on Tuesday, February 15, and other dates this Spring (March 7-8, 15, or 21-22, and May 9-10). To sign up for Albany legislator visits, contact Amanda Magalhaes.
