CUNY Announces it Will Seek Funding for Adjunct Health Care
As hundreds of PSC members protested inside and outside last Monday’s (9/26/11) Board of Trustees meeting, CUNY Chancellor Matthew Goldstein announced that the University will seek funding for adjunct health insurance in its upcoming State budget request. Visit our website for coverage of the rally and the Chancellor’s announcement.
Defending Public Higher Education Conference—Friday, Oct. 7
The PSC and other groups are sponsoring a free, day-long conference at the CUNY Graduate Center on October 7. Join us to analyze the challenges facing public higher education, and help define strategies that will reverse the disturbing trend of disinvestment in higher education. Profiles of the speakers, registration information and a flier to help spread the word are online.
PSC Endorses Oct. 5 Rally in Solidarity with #OccupyWallStreet
A number of other unions, student groups and community organizations have signed on as well. In endorsing the rally, the PSC Executive Council cited the convergence between the PSC’s campaign for a progressive tax structure and #OccupyWallStreet’s focus on the huge economic inequities in this state. PSC members will meet us at the corner of Warren St. and Broadway, Wednesday at 4:15 PM. More info.
Volunteers Needed in Ohio
The AFT, our national affiliate, is looking for volunteers to assist in the labor-to-labor campaign to “Vote No on Issue 2.” Defeating Issue 2 will repeal SB 5 – Ohio Governor John Kasich’s attack on public education, public services and working families in Ohio. The campaign is looking for volunteers who can commit to 12-day periods throughout October and early November. (Here’s the schedule.) AFT will cover expenses. To volunteer, email Amanda Magalhaes.
Make a Call This Week: Tell Congress to Pass the American Jobs Act
The PSC is partnering with our national affiliate, the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), to press Congress to pass President Obama’s American Jobs Act. Among other things, the Act will maintain support for critical public services, such as education and job training, and provide $235 million for community college infrastructure needs in New York State. Please take a moment right now to make a call in support of the bill. The Capitol operator can route your call to your congressional representatives. Here’s an AFT fact sheet with info about the bill and the operator’s number.
Student Walkout Wednesday, Oct. 5
Student activists throughout CUNY and SUNY are holding coordinated walkout/educational events on Wednesday, October 5, before joining up with the #OccupyWallStreet solidarity rally. They’re walking out to protest the lack of investment in public higher education and rising tuition. The PSC strongly supports the call for more public investment and opposes the shift of costs to our students. Classes, office hours and administrative duties remain scheduled as usual, and PSC members are expected to perform their regular duties. Several CUNY faculty members have offered to provide opportunities to make up missed work for students who choose to participate in the walkout.
