Federation
News
Historic First for UO Faculty
September-October 2013 AFT-Oregon hosts conference to address student debt
2
From the President: We will continue fight to protect members’ retirement
5
AFT-Oregon welcomes Trist as new Political Action Organizer
5
UO faculty ratify historic first contract
3
AFT-Oregon resolutions fare well at Oregon AFL-CIO convention
3
Spotlight on new Executive Council members
6
4
Sitton Elementary receives $5,000 AFL-CIO Adopt-a-School grant
7
Scholarship and Awards forms available
8
Member Benefits
8
Beware of IP 9, latest threat to employee rights AFT-Oregon fighting for health care for all
4
Page 2
Federation News Vol. 13, No. 4 September-October 2013 Federation News is published six times annually by AFT-Oregon, AFT, AFL-CIO, 10228 SW Capitol Hwy., Portland, Oregon 97219. David Rives, President Belinda Reagan, Executive Vice-President Bryce Peake, Secretary Michael Morrow, Treasurer Sarah Grider, Vice-President Political Action VICE-PRESIDENTS Vickie Brumit John Copp Kelly Cowan Jeff Grider Devin Hunter Bernadette Kapocias Dana Rognlie Tim Taylor Kevin Weitemier (one position vacant) LIAISONS (without vote) Val Jack, Retiree Chapter Elex Tenney, Local 5017, Oregon Federation of Nurses and Health Professionals Tim Stoelb, Local 6732, Oregon School Employees Association Stephen Rooney, Oregon Nurses Association David Cecil, Chief of Staff Jillian Smith, Editor
Moved?
Tell your Local
Member address information changes should be made with the Local union office or officers responsible for membership records. Locals are responsible for reporting and updating membership information directly to the national office. AFT-Oregon uses address information provided by Locals to AFT for printing and labeling newsletters and member information. Prompt changes are important.
Federation News
September-October 2013
AFT-Oregon hosts conference to address student debt crisis On October 12, AFT-Oregon gathered faculty, students, staff, union and community advocates to brainstorm on ways to help solve the dire problem of rising student debt, as the state continues the trend of disinvestment in Oregon’s public higher education institutions. The session was part of AFT-Oregon’s effort to engage the public and elected leaders in finding a solution to this issue which affects our Shannon Olive, Associated Students of PCC connects workplaces, communities with Kerry Edwards, Jobs with Justice at an AFT-Oregon and economy. conference to tackle the student debt crisis. “The rapid response and State, 11 percent for four areas of concern: participation in our event PSU, and 14 percent for educating students on their by all who were invited is WOU and SOU. Eastern debt payment options; a testament to how serious Oregon fairs better at protecting borrowers from this problem is for all 26 percent, and 28 bad lending practices; Oregonians. AFT-Oregon’s percent of the Oregon addressing institutional goal is to establish a set Technical Institute’s spending priorities; and of principles with which budget comes from the getting the state to invest we can draft legislation state. Meanwhile, Oregon more money in higher or have public boards students are graduating education. Additionally take action to address the college with an average a small group will meet problem of debt as the of $25,497 in student to find issues of common state backs away from loan debt and limited ground between the Pay funding,” said AFT-Oregon job opportunities, as it Forward proposal and President David Rives. our economy continues other ideas for lowering Joanna Stewart of the to limp along since the student debt in Oregon. University of the Oregon recession. In addition to AFTStudent Labor Action “Education has a P.R. Oregon, participants who Project (SLAP) expressed problem. We’ve gone attended represented her appreciation for from a teaching culture the Oregon Education the opportunity. “I’m to one where we have to Association, Service thrilled to see faculty and prove that we are doing Employees International students sitting at this table something worthwhile,” Union, American together,” she said. said Maria Caruso, Local Association of University According to the 2277 (PCCFFAP). “Faculty Professors, Jobs with Oregon University System, need to believe in what Justice, Oregon Student state funding for OUS we have to offer, and Association, Working institutions is at an all-time students need to believe Families, PSU Student low with state support in their faculty.” Action Association, amounting to only five The group decided Associated Students percent of the budget for to move forward with of PSU, UO SLAP and the University of Oregon, committees to address LESS-T. 10 percent for Oregon
September-October 2013
Federation News
Page 3
UO faculty ratify historic first contract Faculty at the University of Oregon, represented by United Academics, ratified their first contract which included increased job security and an average 11.75 percent in salary increases--a remarkable achievement for a first agreement. The contract covers some 1,800 tenured, tenure track, non-tenure track and adjunct faculty members, in addition to research assistants, librarians, and other academic employees. “This contract represents a major step for all UO faculty,” said Scott Pratt, Professor of Philosophy and member of the United Academics bargaining team. “It recognizes the value of faculty by providing salary increases, and extends professional job protections and benefits to non-tenure-track educators. This is good for the university, for students and for Oregon.” “This first contract not only represents a historic agreement, it reflects our collective commitment to our mission of providing the highest quality education for our students,” said University of Oregon President Michael Gottfredson in a statement released by the University. “It advances academic excellence, strengthens our position as one of the nation’s premier public research universities and recognizes the central role of faculty as we move forward together to fulfill the promise of our public mission.” The University and United Academics held their first bargaining session in November 2012 and announced a tentative agreement this September 18. The contract is complex, containing 45 articles over more than 90 pages. Highlights include: •Investment in Faculty. Tenured and tenure-track faculty members will receive an average pay increase totaling 11.9 percent and non-tenure-track faculty members will receive an average pay raise totaling 12.4 percent through fiscal year 2015. Money is set aside to raise minimum salaries for faculty. •Excellence rewarded. While all faculty members will receive across-the-board increases, the contract also includes additional merit increases for faculty upon promotion and to recognize outstanding achievement. •Academic freedom and shared governance. University protections for academic freedom will now specifically
From Left: AFT President Randi Weingarten chats with United Academic members Deborah Green and Yvonne Braun. President Weingarten made a special stop during her Oregon visit to congratulate the Local.
include research as well as classroom instruction and will reaffirm the principle that faculty must be able to pursue controversial subjects without fear of retaliation. The contract also reinforces all faculty members’ role in shared governance, including at the department and unit level. •Job security for non-tenure track faculty. The agreement provides for longer contracts, up to three years, for career non-tenure track faculty members. United Academics was certified as the exclusive representative of the faculty bargaining unit in April 2012. It is a joint affiliate of AFT (www.aft.org), and American Association of University Professors (www.aaup.org). In addition to UO, AAUP and AFT jointly-affiliated local unions represent faculty at the University of Alaska, the University of Vermont, Wayne State University, Rutgers University, and City University of New York (CUNY).
AFT-Oregon resolutions fare well at Oregon AFL-CIO convention AFT-Oregon resolutions fared well at the Oregon AFL-CIO biennial convention in September. Ensuring voting rights for all Americans, Health Care for all, and increasing the federal minimum wage were some issues addressed in AFT-Oregon proposals. Most were either passed or merged with similar submissions and approved by delegates. Here is a summary of action taken on AFT-Oregon proposed resolutions. •In Support of Adequate Safety and Care of Our Most Fragile Students and Those AFT Members Who Support Them. Delegates approved this resolution as amended which called for it to be forwarded to the Board of Nursing. •Resolution Opposing Voter-Suppression Laws and Ensure the Voting Rights of All Americans, and a third similar resolution were merged and approved by delegates.
•Include Union Apprenticeships in Oregon’s Education Goals for 40/40/20 was passed as amended. •Support Reauthorization of the Older Americans Act was passed. •Require Disclosure of Political Donors’ Names was referred to Oregon AFL-CIO Executive Council. •Employers Offering Health Care to All Employees was merged with a similar resolution and passed by delegates. •Increase the Federal Minimum Wage to a Living Wage was passed as amended. •Opposition of Legislation Which Allows Public Sector Jobs to be Contracted Out to Private Industry was passed. •In Support of the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) was passed.
Page 4
Federation News
September-October 2013
Faculty and staff engagement is key to success of HECC
AFT-Oregon President David Rives was confirmed by the Senate as a voting member on the Higher Education Coordinating Commission.
AFT-Oregon fighting for health care for all
By Devin Hunter, Local 4671 (HCU) 1st VP, and AFT-Oregon Vice-President
Health Care for All Oregon is a grassroots movement to take on the challenge of finding a way to provide affordable care for everyone. We believe that health care is a human right and that healthy communities start with healthy people. Our goal is to pursue a single-payer option that competes with for-profit insurance agencies. As a representative of AFT-Oregon, I’ve been assisting them work on messaging and language. At the AFL-CIO convention, HCAO is looking to find a partner in the fight to bring single-payer to Oregon. I feel that the movement is on the right track, looking for allies and supporters. There are chapters across the state that are looking for regular people who are interested in helping. Joining is as easy as showing up to a meeting and asking to join. They’ll need all the help they can get since the ultimate goal is to submit a referendum to voters. It’s a big challenge to tackle, but solving the health care crisis would make tackling other problems much easier. While I feel like my contribution is small, it helps move the movement forward. I encourage anyone who is passionate about health care to take notice. HCAO is here to stay and they are not going to stop until they win at the ballot box. It’s not going to be easy, but they can do it if we all pitch in and help. Note: AFT-Oregon delegates have passed resolutions in support of Health Care for All.
David Rives, AFT-Oregon President was among the nine voting members of the Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) confirmed by the Senate in September. Frank Goulard, Local 2277 (PCCFFAP) President will serve on the commission as one of five non-voting members. Community Colleges were added when HECC was rechartered by the Oregon Legislature in 2013. This addition is significant because they will now be aligned with universities, instead of K-12 schools as they were in the past. “The changes in HECC are a positive move for Oregon, with community colleges and universities now working together,” said Rives. “I would also like to assist kindergarten through university level schools collaborating by region to strengthen public education. Finally, most important to this process is the engagement of educators, students and staff,” he said. HECC oversees a complex system, with more than 380,000 students in eight public universities, 17 public community colleges, 67 private for-profit and independent colleges and universities, and that receives state general fund appropriations of $835 million per biennium.
Beware of IP 9, latest threat to employee rights In 2014, big corporate interests and out-of -state billionaires are bringing back some of Bill Sizemore’s worst ideas--including Initiative Petition 9. IP 9 reads, “Allows non-union member public employees receiving required union representation to refuse to share representation cost.” This initiative would stop workers from joining together to protect our jobs and our communities. IP 9 would give large corporations the ability to push their own agenda of lower wages, cuts to the minimum wage and family leave. In states where similar laws have passed, the average wage for all workers, regardless of union affiliation, lags far behind those in states where these destructive ideas have been rejected. To fight efforts in our state, AFT-Oregon has joined a coalition of organizations and individuals who have come together to oppose this measure. How can you help? Get ready to volunteer--it’s going to be the fight of our lives! For more information, visit www.keeporegonworking. org, or like Keep Oregon Working on Facebook.
September-October 2013
Federation News
Page 5
Letter from President Rives on passage of bill to raid PERS Dear Members,
Legislators who rejected
$60,000, and just .15 percent After slashing PERS benefits by this damaging bill: for those with annual benefits $800-million last spring, Oregon’s over $60,000. AFT-Oregon is legislature has added insult House vote: disappointed that legislators, to injury this week by making Nays, 24--Bailey, Barker, Barnhart, Barton, Berger, who previously said they additional cuts to cost-of-living Doherty, Fagan, Frederick, Freeman, Gallegos, would oppose any changes adjustments (COLA) for PERS Gelser, Gomberg, Gorsek, Greenlick, Hanna, Jenson, to PERS, did not keep their retirees in a special session called Krieger, Matthews, Nathanson, Smith, Thompson, promise. by Governor Kitzhaber. Over Vega Pederson, Whisnant, Williamson; Excused, I would like to personally time, these laws will raid PERS 5--Cameron, Clem, Holvey, Thatcher, Unger. thank all members who pensions of $4.6 billion in benefits sent a letter or called the and create a future of uncertainty Senate vote: Governor and legislators, or for seniors who held up their end Nays, 7--Beyer, Close, Dingfelder, Knopp, Kruse, who shared personal stories of the bargain by working hard Rosenbaum, Shields; excused, 1--Prozanski of how these cuts will affect to provide quality education and your lives during legislative other vital public services for our committee meetings. Your communities. actions did make a difference, as we were able to end the We realize that our schools, colleges and universities are attack on “inactives.” Unfortunately, we were not able to underfunded – class sizes are too big and the cost of higher fight back the cuts on COLA this time. education has skyrocketed. However, cutting the benefits We will continue to work hard to protect our members’ of hard working Oregonians is not a longterm solution to retirement security. Oregon’s revenue issues. We support policies that treat all AFT-Oregon is part of the PERS Coalition, which has Oregonians equally and don’t punish those who have worked already filed a challenge to the law passed last spring hard for their retirement. which also reduced COLA increases for PERS retiree SB 861 will reduce cost-of-living increases from two benefits. percent to 1.25 percent for those with annual benefits up to
AFT-Oregon welcomes Trist as new Political Action Organizer Julia Trist, AFT-Oregon’s Political Action Organizer, brings a fresh perspective from her previous organizing positions at UFCW and SEIU. Trist grew up in a union household and said that experience helped to shape her career choice. “My mom was a letter carrier, and always talked about the importance of having a union and what it means for working people,” she said. “I’ve been involved in community engagement and organizing as long as I can remember.” Trist grew up in Eugene and graduated from South Eugene High School. She received a B.A., in Women’s Studies from UC Santa Cruz,and worked briefly as an organizer for SEIU. For the past 3 ½ years she was an organizer for UFCW, where she said she gained a variety of experience. “I worked on the campaign to achieve paid sick leave, grocery contract campaigns, and did a lot of external organizing,” she said. “Recently, we were working to educate Walmart employees about how they can bring change by standing together.” Trist said she looks forward to helping AFT-Oregon members better understand the role the political process has on their daily lives. “My interest in
politics is to mobilize members to use their collective power to strengthen their rights at work, and in their communities,” she said.
Page 6
Federation News
September-October 2013
Spotlight on new executive council members In my 16 years on local 2277’s executive council, and attending a dozen AFT-Oregon state conventions, I’ve always been struck by how--for most officers and members--our financials seem to be a “necessary evil,” foreign and incomprehensible. Since “transparency” was the theme for this year’s Convention I came to understand that we need to completely reverse members’ perceptions of our financials, to make them not only transparent but much clearer, and more easily justifiable. Without member dues our unions wouldn’t exist, and our ability to collect dues will again be attacked this year. The more our members are able to understand how their locals, and our state organization, utilize their dues, the more ownership of their union they’ll be able to take. My goal is simple. As AFT-Oregon transitions its financial staff, and software, we have an opportunity to create that transparency, and present our financial information in a way that is understandable--by all--and allows us to explain and justify how we spend our members’ financial support. As I tell my students, turning lemons into lemonade is possible, and I pledge to do it as your new AFT-Oregon Treasurer. Michael Morrow AFT-Oregon Treasurer Local 2277 (PCCFFAP) I look forward to continue working with AFT and our allies to decrease the crippling financial burden of pursuing Thank you for electing higher education, a good in me to the executive council itself, for students in Oregon for AFT Oregon. I will be and our nation. a conscientious leader who Dana Rognlie thinks independently and AFT-Oregon Vice-President asks tough questions. My Local 3544 (GTFF) goals are fairness, justice, and respect for all workers. Bernadette Kapocious Vice-President Local 3190 (SWOCCFT)
I’m really looking forward to this opportunity to be a part of something bigger than myself. There are many challenges on the horizon and I want to witness ordinary workers who come together to become extraordinary defenders of the future. My primary goal is to get people to start talking to one another. To start a conversation to figure out what we want to fight for. To find common cause in our daily struggles and to organize our members into a group that makes a difference in people’s lives. I want us to find a way to be about more than just wages and benefits. I want us to be champions of the working class. There is a lot work to be done, and I hope that you will join us in finding a path to a better future. Devin Hunter AFT-Oregon Vice-President Local 4671 (HCU)
In my first full term as Vice -President, I hope to represent the voices of folks from smaller locals and help provide the state federation with the perspective of the locals from outside the Willamette Valley. I also hope that my experience as the leader of a local that represents classified, part-time faculty and full-time faculty will help the state federation balance the needs of our diverse state-wide membership. John Copp AFT-Oregon Vice-President Local 4754 (UECGCC)
September-October 2013
Federation News
Page 7
Members excited to see Sitton Elementary receive $5,000 AFL-CIO Adopt-a-School grant Sitton Elementary School in North Portland is one of 20 schools nationwide to receive a $5,000 AFL-CIO Adopt-A-School grant. During a presentation to the school, Diane Newton-Prior, one of the Local 111 (PFSP) members who work at the school, expressed her gratitude to the AFL-CIO on behalf of classified staff and teachers. “We are very honored and will put the money to good use,” said Newton-Prior, who is a library assistant at the school. “At a low income school, every penny counts, and there are many ways we can use the grant.” AFL-CIO Adopt-a-School grant program is designed to provide resources necessary to develop curriculum which highlights the connection between workers’ rights and civil rights. Belinda Reagan, Local 111 (PFSP) praised the AFL-CIO program. “It’s important that students learn the vital role that working people and civil rights activists played throughout history. We commend the AFL-CIO for giving resources to ensure that message is reflected in our schools’ curriculum.” Bob Tackett, executive secretary-treasurer of the Northwest Oregon Labor Council congratulated the school and presented the check to Principal Joseph La Fountaine, during a student assembly. The over 300 students, from kindergarteners to fifth graders cheered when Principal La Fountaine announced that the money would be used mostly to fund educational field trips. In a statement after the presentation, La Fountaine said, “Field trips are an important
Diane Newton-Prior, a school library assistant and Local 111 (PFSP) member encourages classified employees to stand during a presentation of an AFL-CIO Adopt-aSchool grant to Sitton Elementary in North Portland.
learning opportunity for these kids,” he said. “Many have never been outside their neighborhood, so to visit historical and educational sites around the state will be a whole new experience.” Sitton Elementary and Clackamas County Children’s Commission Head Start in Milwaukie were two of 21 schools to receive the grants nationwide. This year, the one-time grants were given to mark the 50th anniversary of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s March on Washington for jobs and freedom.
Local 111 achieves salary increases in latest contract Classified employees who work in the Portland Public School District ratified a new two-year agreement in a resounding 238 to 11 vote. Highlights include a one percent cost of living adjustment (COLA) plus step increase or longevity bonus the first year, plus an additional one percent COLA plus step the second year, increased health insurance contribution,
a reclassification of paraeducators and several other categories to the higher pay grade, a restructuring of the pay scale for occupational and physical therapists, and an increase in funding for Classified Connections funding. Belinda Reagan, Local 111 (PFSP) president said this is a win for members. “We would like to have seen a larger “COLA,” but realize the one percent we accepted,
in addition to a step in each year of the agreement, is more than other employee groups have received in recent negotiations.” Reagan praised the hard work of the bargaining team and the members they represent in a statement to the school board. She also urged board members to reach out to classified employees. “It is my fervent wish that during your tenure as
board members, that each of you will recognize that the successful education of Portland’s school-age children is not possible without the professionalism of its classified employees. If you visit a school, take the time to shake the hand of a classified employee. Ask what they do and thank them for their service. It will mean so much to them, and will cost the district nothing.”
Federation News Find the link to become a fan of AFT-Oregon’s fanpage on facebook or to follow us on Twitter: www. aft-oregon.org
AFT-Oregon aft, afl-cio
Non-Profit Org. US Postage PAID Portland, OR Permit No. 1453
10228 SW Capitol Hwy. Portland, Oregon 97219
November 11 Veterans day (office closed) November 15 AFT-Oregon executive council meeting, Portland November 15-16 AFT-Oregon Local Presidents Conference, Portland November 28-29 Thanksgiving holiday (office closed) December 24January 1, 2014 Winter Break (office closed) January 20 Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday (office closed) January 24-26 Winter School, Hallmark Resort, Newport February 17 Presidents Day (office closed) Convention Deadlines January 31 Deadline for scholarship and awards submissions February 3 Deadline for submission of Constitution and Bylaws amendments March 5 Deadline for delegate/ alternate lists, proposed resolutions April 4-6 AFT-Oregon Convention, Sunriver Resort, Sunriver
Scholarship and Awards forms now available Forms are available on the AFT-Oregon website, www.aft-oregon.org, for one of three AFT-Oregon Scholarships, and to nominate an outstanding member, or community activist for an AFT-Oregon award. Deadline for submission is January 31, 2014. Scholarships AFT-Oregon annually awards three $1,000 scholarships, named in memory of three dynamic leaders in the history of AFT-Oregon. The Carl J. Megel Scholarship is open to graduating high school seniors, who are children or grandchildren of members. The Albert F. Shanker Scholarship is open to students continuing their higher education and who are children or grandchildren of members. The Shirley J. Gold Scholarship is open to AFT-Oregon members for the pursuit of higher education. Recognition Awards The John Connor Memorial Award recognizes a member who serves as an inspiration to fellow union activists. Outstanding Contribution to Public Awareness recognizes an individual Oregonian, including members, who has contributed to the general public awareness on issues important to members. Communications Awards recognize the use of newsletters, websites, social media and campaigns to promote the Local and encourage participation in the labor movement.
Keep your pets healthy with Union Plus Pet Insurance Union Plus Pet Insurance has improved its pet insurance program with flexible plans to cover your pet’s needs starting as low as $17.95 per month. All breeds of cats and dogs have guaranteed acceptance and lifetime enrollment, without an annual coverage limit. Plus, pet owners choose their own veterinarian, coverage and deductible, which ranges from $100-1,000. We have flexible plans that cover your pet’s needs starting as low as $17.95 per month, with all breeds of cats and dogs guaranteed acceptance and lifetime enrollment—and best of all, no annual coverage limit. Plus you get to choose your veterinarian, the amount of coverage, and the deductible—from $100 to $1,000. For more information, visit: http://www.unionplus.org/pets/petinsurance?email3.
Cash back with new AFT endorsed credit card Members will receive 1.5% cash back on all purchases with the AFT-endorsed credit card via Capitol One Bank. The card also offers unlimited rewards, which can be redeemed at any time. Other benefits include a 0% rate for balance transfers for 12 months, and no annual fee. For those members who do not want a cash back card there is a card with an interest rate about 2% lower. Both cards will also carry the same hardship grants which will each be increased about 25% over what was offered through our previous card. While those benefits will be part of the card program, the grant programs are administered through Union Privilege, the benefits arm of the AFL-CIO. Apply today via the benefits section at www.aft-oregon.org, or at: www.aftcard.com. You can also call 800/522-4000. Please have your AFT Membership number or card handy.