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Over 150 faculty and staff gathered on November 7, 1995, at Quinsigamond Community College for the Presidents' Council meeting to protest the lack of progress in contract negotiations for both the Day and DCE contracts.

The rally began at 8:30 a.m. and continued to approximately 10:30 a.m. Five representatives from the chapters were allowed to speak at the presidents' meeting. Phyllis Barrett, chapter president from Holyoke, Chris Coolidge of Mt. Wachusett, and MCCC Secretary, Dr. Joel Feigenbaum, chapter president from Cape Cod, Coner Johnston, chapter president from Massasoit, and Carolyn Tetrault, chapter president from Springfield strongly urged the presidents to work to bring a fair and equitable contract back to the faculty and professional staff.

The MCCC Day team has been meeting with Administration and Finance (A&F) discussing the contract. A&F wants the MCCC to buy into a reclassification system. The problems surrounding such a proposal are many, especially when it is unclear how a reclassification study would affect the membership. Though on the surface it sounds like it has possibilities, when the conversations continue with A&F, things become more hazy and complicated. The team does not want to be in a situation that it would ask the membership to ratify an agreement when the team cannot explain the ramifications of an economic proposal concerning reclassification. Discussions will continue until it is clear how A&F's proposal would affect the membership.

Though we know that Administration and Finance has insinuated itself into the day contract bargaining, the presidents have lead in their feet when it comes to the DCE contract. In addition, the presidents have not met with the day team to discuss additional monies over and above the state's package. The state college and the university administrations have put additional money into the contract above the state's commitment. The state college presidents added 4.5% nonbase money and the university added 2% based money.

The DCE contract is in mediation. A bargaining update was recently mailed, and a letter and another update is on its way. Some of the colleges are saying they cannot afford to give increases; however, there have been no increase since September 1992, giving the colleges plenty of time to plan for an increase. The MCCC's salary demand could be met by a two percent increase in tuition and fees over the next four years. The one-half percent per year would increase the student cost of a three-credit course by $1.30 each year.

The memberships' continued support is critical in order for both teams to bring contracts back that are fair and equitable.

Political Action Activities

At the November Board meeting, a number of recommendations were voted regarding the continuing political action surrounding the day and DCE contracts.

Each chapter will receive $350 for public relations or newspaper articles.

The MCCC Board of Directors forward to the Higher Education Coordinating Council (HECC) a proclamation of no confidence against HECC.

Each campus hold a rally with media coverage (Some colleges have already done this.).

Each chapter deliver a brief statement to the college's trustees. Again, a number of colleges have already done this.

If there is no significant progress in negotiations, the Board authorized the Executive Committee to recommend to the chapters that the faculty turn their grades into the chapter leadership. €

Public Relations and Professional Development

Grants Available from MTA

Public Relations Grants. These grants are available to any higher education chapter for a program designed to expand public awareness of and support for public higher education, to enhance the image of all members, and to publicize the professional expertise and accomplishments of the local or chapter. This program, administered by the MTA Communication Committee, awards grants of up to 50 percent of net costs, up to a maximum of $500 for any one project with a limit of % 1 ,000 for more than one project. Grants are awarded on a first come, first served basis, and the deadline for all applications is February 1, 1996. If your chapter is interested, contact the MTA Communications Division for an application and explanation of the guidelines. (1-800-392-6175). All chapter grant applications must be signed by MCCC President Tom Parsons before submission.

Professional Development Grants. This program awards grants of up to %500 to chapters, a group of MTA members, or to an individual member for the design and implementation of a professional development program. The goals of the program are: to improve local conditions for teaching and learning; t assist members in their continuing professional development (not, however, to support the personal research, educational, or professional activities of individual members); and to assist members to achieve an increased, effective role in the management of their professional and working lives. Applications may be submitted on December 20, 1995 or February 16, 1996. For an application and specific guidelines, contact the Professional Development Division(l-800-392-6175).

Legislative Finale

The final, formal session of the legislature ended November 15, 1995. Bills that were not acted upon will carry over to the next session beginning in January, 1996 provided they are not money bills. The legislature will remain in informal session.

Early retirement bill never came to the floor, therefore it has died.

State college and university contract funding bills were passed.

Balance Billing bill was carried to next session. The MTA filed this bill when we were switched to John Hancock insurance, and doctors and hospitals were not to balance bill the patient. This bill prohibits health care vendors from billing patients more than what the insurance company allows for a procedure.

Capital Outlay Budget for higher education was passed in the amount of %617,683,91 1. The money is distributed as individual projects are submitted and approved by the governor. Chances are that this money will not be approved for spending too quickly.

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Legislative Support

Over the past several months, members have been writing to and meeting with representatives and senators concerning the status of our contract. The following legislators have written letters of support on behalf of their constituents.

Please write or call your representative and senator and enlist their support. If your representative or senator is on the list above, please take the time to call or write a note of thanks for their support.

MCCC, MTA, NEA Election Time This year elections will be held for MCCC statewide officers as well as delegate elections to the MTA Annual Meeting and the NEA Representative Assembly. Attached to this newsletter is a nomination-form page that must be filled out for each office sought. For example, those wishing to run for an officer's seat and as a delegate to the MTA and NEA meetings must fill out (3) nomination forms. For those running for statewide office, candidates must submit 50 signatures of active members (see back of nomination paper.).

Coverage Across the State

The MCCC chapters continue to get excellent media coverage in some areas across the state. The list below reflects the print coverage up to November 14, 1995.

Looking for a Job

The vacancies within the community colleges are easily accessible on the MTA Bulletin Board System (BBS) (1-800-523- 8883) You can read, download, and/or print these vacancies at your terminal. If you do not have access to a modem, a printout can be faxed to you. Fax your request to the Communications Coordinator at 617- 236-0448. You must include the name of the college(s) where you work.

For the first time user. When you call into the BBS, you will need to provide some information to the systems operator. You can get on the BBS immediately and choose your password. Once you get on the BBS, follow these steps to get to the vacancy area. Enter your name and password, Select F(ile); 6(Vacancies in community colleges); (F)files in this area; (V)iew and type in the first two numbers of the last dated entry e.g., 42-11-1996 (You would type 42).

Only questions specific to the MTA BBS should be directed to the systems Operator (SYSop) Ron Miller (1-508-653-7244), preferably through the BBS. If you have specific questions about a vacancy, call the college.

Report your Blue Cross Dental Woes?

Anyone having a complaint or concern about the Blue Cross Dental plan and coverage should direct his or her comments to

Abe Sherf,
North Shore Community College.

He is the community college representative on the Health and Welfare Trust Fund.

Nov. 30	Full-time Spring 96 schedule to chapter
Nov. 30	Tentative Faculty Assignments due
Nov. 30	Student evaluation materials distributed
Dec. 18	Faculty College Service and Student Advisement forms submitted
Dec. 22	Latest Fall semester ends
Dec. 23	Part-time student evaluation summary due

N.B. Dates may vary depending on first day of classes. Also, most of these dates are "last date" standards. In many instances, the action can he accomplished before the date indicated.

MCCC Newsletter Editor: Catherine A. Boudreau MCCC/MTA Newsletter 20 Ashburton Place Boston, MA 02108

The MCCC Newsletter is a publication of the Massachusetts Community College Council. The Newsletter is intended to be an information source for the members of the MCCC and for other interested parties. The material in this publication may be reprinted with the acknowledgment of its source. For further information on issues discussed in this publication, contact Catherine Boudreau, Massasoit Community College, Brockton, MA 02402.

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