Contract Bargaining Update
Members of the United Federation of Teachers ratified their contract with the Department of Education this week, and public sector unions across the city are preparing to bargain. The PSC is a public-sector union, but our negotiations are complicated because CUNY is funded by both New York City and New York State. PSC bargains with CUNY, but our settlements are influenced by settlements for both City and State employees. The PSC’s bargaining team has been meeting regularly, and bargaining sessions are being scheduled. (Click here for the union’s contract demands.)
“There is momentum in the City to settle other contracts soon. This is a moment where progress can be made,” said PSC President Barbara Bowen. “The PSC bargaining team is ready to work round the clock and through the summer. But we want a contract that moves all of our members forward – economically and professionally. We won’t settle for less.”
PSC Resolutions Bound for the American Federation of Teachers (AFT)
The PSC Delegate Assembly passed seven resolutions at the May meeting that are destined to be voted on at the AFT’s national convention in July. If endorsed by the majority of AFT delegates, the following resolutions will become the official positions (or policies) of the nation-wide union:
- Support for the “May Day $5K” National Movement for Job Stability and Parity for Part-Time Faculty
- EdTPA and Respect for the Professionalism of Teacher Educators
- On Ending U.S. Militarized Foreign Policy
- Addressing the Legacy of Slavery in the Founding of American Colleges
- Stop Coca-Cola’s Abuse of Children and Violation of Human Rights
- AFT Policy In Cases of Conflicting Local Endorsements
- Support the Full Restitution of Pensions for Detroit Municipal Employees
City Council Hearing on Financial Aid—Thurs., June 12
Council Member Inez Barron, chair of the Council’s Higher Education Committee, will hear testimony on merit-and needs-based scholarships at CUNY at a hearing to be held next Thursday, June 12. The hearing will begin at 10:00 AM. It will be held at 250 Broadway in the Committee Room on the 16th floor. Persons wishing to testify can sign in with the Sergeant-At-Arms when they arrive at the hearing. Advocacy materials on the PSC’s 2014 City Budget Campaign webpage and the Reform the Tuition Assistance Program web page are available to help craft testimony. City Council hearings are broadcast online via this page on the Council website.
