“When We Fight, We Win” – A Lesson from West Virginia It’s no secret that our union has not been functioning effectively. It’s no secret that we will be hit hard by the Supreme Court’s Janus decision, which will rule that people no longer need to pay an agency fee but may nonetheless get most of the benefits of the union. It would be easy to predict disaster for our members and our union; West Virginia shows it may not work out that way. A word on our own situation before considering the … [Read more...]

Union Solidarity – “An Injury to One Is An Injury to All” Since the announcement of my election as MCCC President in March 2016 and before I even took office on June 1, 2016, I have been, and I remain, a polarizing figure in the MCCC, my every move distrusted, with the worst of motives ascribed to me. So let me be clear: I am not a candidate for re-election as president of the MCCC. It is my hope that fresh voices will be elected to give the MCCC a chance to start a new, and I offer a few … [Read more...]

DEMOCRACY, ELECTIONS, and an MCCC PRIMER The MCCC represents four (4) distinct constituent groups: full-time faculty, full-time professional staff, part-time faculty/professional staff and adjunct faculty. A democratic union requires engaged and informed members who are willing to run for offices (local or state) and to VOTE. A democratic union requires fairly conducted elections that are equally open to all eligible voters (dues paying members). Statewide election nominations for … [Read more...]

Union Solidarity. What Is at Stake? There will be a number of external challenges facing unions in the months ahead. If we are to survive and preserve our strength to collectively bargain agreements that improve the working conditions for our members and the learning conditions for our students, we must come together in solidarity of purpose. On October 2, 2017, the United States Supreme Court began a new term. As one of its first acts, the Court has agreed to hear Janus v. AFSCME, which … [Read more...]

Renewing Our Commitments Our union needs to recapture the energy, the spirit, and the commitment that enabled the labor movement to play a key role in shaping our country; in giving dignity and respect to workers through advancing working conditions, wages, and benefits; and bringing a better quality of life to families. Our work is education. Most of us entered community college teaching and academic support because we are passionate about the mission of improving lives through … [Read more...]