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...]

Without Due Process… At the MCCC delegate assembly this past weekend, delegates – based on false, unsubstantiated allegations and without any prior notice or due process – voted ‘no confidence’ in me and vice president Jeff Seideman. While this may come as a shock to the rank and file member, it was, unfortunately, not surprising to me. Given how little opportunity members have had to hear from me and how distorted the reports of my words and actions have been, it’s no great surprise that the … [Read more...]

MCCC DELEGATE ASSEMBLY The MCCC Delegate Assembly is the most democratic body in the MCCC, and it’s also the most powerful. It’s easy to be elected, and it makes a difference The statewide elected officers, Board of Directors, and Chapter Presidents matter in carrying out the day-to-day work of the Union, but the decisions of the Delegate Assembly are the highest authority. As our Bylaws say “All legislative responsibilities of the Council shall be vested in the Delegate Assembly, and its … [Read more...]