Why I Believe in CCSF & Our Faculty Union: Mary Bravewoman

I’m a former City College student, current Math faculty, and now, proudly serving my second term as Union President of AFT 2121. Like so many of us, my heart belongs to City College. I know from personal experience how special this institution is and how what happens here can, and does, change and save lives!

While working alongside you for the good of our students and our contract is not easy–it’s hard work–I do it because our community and our mission is worth it. At City College we enhance the lives of our students and make our communities better. Our faculty union is essential to defending and improving our school.

When we work together as a union, we have power both from the law and from the strength of our unity. A couple examples:

• Salaries: Faculty at union community colleges earn an average of $19,000 more annually than their non union counterparts. At AFT 2121, we won a 14% raise last December by working together. Without union power, that would not have happened.

• Shared Governance: We respect the work of individual administrators at our college, but, broadly speaking across higher education, the number, pay, and power of administrators has skyrocketed over the past 50 years (see American Institute for Economic Research). This has led to an erosion of shared governance across the country, as faculty have found the norms that once gave them a voice no longer hold (see this fantastic piece from the Martin Center). And this more than anything is why I remain committed to my union: through unions, faculty can use the collective bargaining process and the labor laws that support it to fight not just for higher salaries and better contracts, but also stronger departments, programs, and schools.

Unions are how we ensure that our expertise is part of the decision making process–not just a recommendation, but a driving, legally-backed force.

However, that only works, if we stick together. That is why I encourage each and every one of you to make sure you’re a member of your union (join here), and to join AFT 2121’s enrollment campaign in the fall so we can work together to improve our departments and our college.

In Unity,
Mary Bravewoman

Email Scam Alert!

Some of you may have received an email stating that you are required to use a Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) process using a mobile device to access your ccsf.edu email. This is a scam. Do not use the QR code provided!

AFT 2121 and the District are currently in negotiations over how to best implement an MFA process, but we have not finalized the process. Specifically, we are working on solutions that do not require faculty to use a mobile device.

Image from Scam Email below (the original includes a QR code):  

Student Perspective: Why I’m Speaking at Tomorrow’s Board Meeting for More English & Chemistry Classes  

My name is Katherin Olivares. I am from Guatemala, and my dream is to become a Registered Nurse.

English 1A was my first experience taking credit classes and gave me tools that will be useful for all my future classes. It also opened the doors for me to continue with my education, and I had a great instructor who knew well how to guide me. The final module of my class about self-discovery was particularly impactful. By interviewing a healthcare professional, I gained inspiration for my final essay. This project allowed me to hone my writing and critical thinking skills while exploring a topic I am truly passionate about. All of this made English 1A a very enriching experience.

I would like all people who want or need to attend an English class to be able to do so without complications and have an experience as enriching as mine. I would also like to make the request that more science classes be opened, since this coming semester I was not able to get a spot in the chemistry class that I need to take.

AFT 2121 Has Filed a Formal Grievance Challenging the District’s STRS Deductions in your 21-22 Restoration Payments

Your union’s contract enforcement team has filed a formal grievance to address the District’s clear and unambiguous contract violation in deducting 10.25% from your restoration payments rather than the agreed upon 8 or 9%.  

This was a win-win agreement that would have saved faculty money in their restoration payments and also saved the District an approximate $1 million. That money should have gone to the classroom.

Instead, the District chose to treat your restoration as a standard salary increase with a Defined Benefit rate rather than a supplemental payment with a lower deduction.

Under compensation section 4 of your new contract (see here), the matter is clear: “Faculty concessions made in the 2021/2022 fiscal year shall be returned in full, as a STRS Defined Benefit Supplement payment for faculty in the STRS Defined Benefit program.”

We urge District leaders to correct this mistake for the good of faculty and our college’s budget. See AFT’s formal Grievance here, and stay tuned for more.

COPE Endorsement Recommendations from 5/28 Meeting–Vote Now

As we near election season, now is the time to help decide your union’s position in three important races across San Francisco. The outcomes of these races will shape San Francisco’s policies on education, jobs, housing, transportation, Free City, and more! This election will impact all San Franciscans, but the stakes are especially high for our students, as these policies will directly impact their ability to meet their educational goals at City College. As faculty, we know firsthand the barriers that our students face and can support them by making our voices heard through our union’s endorsement process. Vote here today!

At yesterday’s COPE meeting, members in attendance made the following recommendations for endorsements:

1. San Francisco Mayor: A rank-choice endorsement of Aaron Peskin (#1) and Ahsha Safai (#2). COPE members also recommend giving each campaign the maximum contribution of $500. Both Peskin and Safai are labor-friendly candidates committed to advancing student and community-centered policies, by preserving access to public education and expanding other public services across the city.

2. District 3 Supervisor: A double endorsement of Sharon Lai and Moe Jamil. Lai and Jamil are community leaders in their district who believe in building community, fighting poverty, and improving conditions for immigrants and low-income residents. This supervisorial race directly impacts CCSF as District 3 is the home of CCSF’s Chinatown campus.

3. District 11 Supervisor: A rank-choice endorsement of Chyanne Chen (#1) and EJ Jones (#2). Both Chen and Jones have expressed deep commitment to the working-class families in their district. CCSF’s Ocean Campus neighbors District 11, and these candidates will both work to support and strengthen City College for the benefit of District 11 residents.

These elections are crucial to the success of City College and public education across the city. Your voice matters! Vote here!

Submit Parking Requests by June 6

Under your current contract, you are eligible for partial reimbursement of your 2023-2024 parking fees at the Chinatown, Mission, and Downtown Campus. See Mission form here, Chinatown form here, & Downtown form here for more details, and see your Parking Reimbursement Worksheet here.

• Faculty members are eligible to have up to 50% of their parking costs reimbursed until the fund is depleted.
  
  

• If there are not sufficient funds to pay for a 50% reimbursement, each faculty member participating in the program will receive the same (lesser) percentage reimbursement.
  
  

• Only receipts for parking on assigned working days during the time the faculty member is actually working at the campus (Mission, Chinatown, & Downtown) will be eligible for reimbursement. You must list your teaching/work hours and submit receipts in chronological order for those items.

You have until Thursday, June 6, 2024 to return your original receipts, worksheets and spreadsheets. The recommended way to turn in is via USPS, mail to AFT 2121, PO Box 951595, San Francisco, CA 94159. You can also send via campus mail to AFT 2121.

If you have any questions, please call Wendy Leung 415-585-2121.

Dear City College Community,

My name is Lizzie Brock, and I have been a member of the CCSF English faculty since 2007.

I mostly teach 1A and 1A+S, “College Reading and Composition,” foundational courses for Bay Area students hoping to transfer to four-year universities or earn associate degrees for careers in Nursing, Firefighting, Radiology, and so much more.

I have been coordinating students and my colleagues to speak at the CCSF Board of Trustees meeting on May 30 because this past year the college turned away hundreds of students from English 1A (including 205 students who sat on waitlists this spring) and made so many others battle to get into a class, sometimes having to start late.

Meanwhile, six of my tenured, laid off colleagues have been missing from CCSF, along with over twenty of my part-time colleagues.

Last fall, the college allowed the English Department to temporarily hire two of our six laid off faculty when our waitlists showed 300 students needing 1A, and their classes filled, but this spring, with lists nearly as long (typical for a fall-spring ratio), the administration did not permit us to open any new 1A classes or hire any faculty.

There’s a mismatch here: professional, dynamic, early- and mid-career instructors in whose growth the college has invested so much are NOT TEACHING SF students while hundreds of students can’t get a class, a class that is crucial to take early in order to build the academic reading, writing, research, and critical thinking skills necessary for success in college, career and so many parts of life.

That is why I’m calling on our Board of Trustees to work with CCSF’s new Chancellor this summer to schedule enough English 1A and 1AS classes for all the students filling waitlists and whom we expect to enroll by the time the fall term starts–and offer permanent tenured positions back to the laid off faculty who are ready and willing to teach them.

For the good of our students and City College’s own long-term finances, it is imperative that we enable San Francisco’s students to forge their educational journey in their city with the tools they need to succeed–instead of turning away eager scholars! We can and must do better.

Over the next two years, I’ll be continuing to work on AFT’s Enrollment Campaign–that means collaborating with faculty, community, and students to enhance City College’s operations so that we increase our enrollment and in doing so better serve our city.

End of Year AFT PARTY this Friday May 17 from 4-6:30pm at Pierre Coste!

All faculty are encouraged to attend AFT 2121’s end of year party and celebration this Friday May 17, from 4-6:30pm, at Pierre Coste.

This party will be a celebration of summer and of the power of collective action. While we didn’t win everything we wanted this year, we made significant progress and that was only possible because we stood together. From restoring our salaries for 21-22 to winning significant raises to expanding faculty health care, we fought for a stronger City College for the good of our students and city.

Let’s celebrate that Friday May 17 at Pierre Coste 4-6:30pm. All faculty are welcome.

Decision Making! Final Committee on Political Education Tues 5/28 at 12pm

COPE – Committee on Political Education, NOTE NEW TIME. 12:00, Tuesday 5/28 on Zoom to finish up our important last meeting (agenda here)

We heard from San Francisco Mayoral and Supervisors candidates at our last meeting, and now all members are encouraged to join for deliberations on how your union should weigh in on these races. This is a chance to shape the political direction of your local and city for the good of our students and the vital mission we serve.

Educator Housing in San Francisco–Take the Survey Today

MEDA Community Real Estate is excited to bring a potential opportunity for San Francisco educators to access intergenerational wealth-building opportunities through homeownership.

MEDA is encouraging all CCSF faculty to fill out a survey so that MEDA can share more information about the educator population with lenders and get a better sense of potential buyers. See more info on this flyer, & support this process and fill out your survey below!

CCSF Educator Housing Survey at 2205 Mission St. → https://forms.gle/tSZZyEmjLG6TyWzA8

Unemployment: Summer Benefits & CFT Workshop

Part-time faculty who don’t have summer assignments or sufficient income from other work are entitled to unemployment benefits over summer break. Even if you’re pretty sure you’ll have an assignment in Fall, you are still eligible. You’re considered unemployed until that assignment actually starts, since the assignment isn’t guaranteed.

Apply as soon as possible on or after your last day of work. Your application is retroactive only to the Sunday of the week in which you apply. For faculty who have semester-long assignments, the last day is officially May 22nd, even if that doesn’t match our actual work dates.

When you apply for benefits, you must report your earnings. Web4 paystubs still list hours and hourly rates, but those rates are misleading. You were not paid hourly, except for subbing and office hours.

For detailed information about how to calculate your earnings and apply for unemployment, see the AFT 2121 unemployment page.

CFT is hosting a free workshop with CFT Vice-President John Govsky to

guide contingent faculty (called “part-time” at CCSF) through the online unemployment filing process. Topics include new and reopened claims, phone interviews, denials, and appeals. Open to all contingent (part-time) faculty who are CFT members.

May 16, 3:30 pm, by Zoom
Register here

Show your Solidarity with the Committee of Interns and Residents CIR/SEIU Healthcare

In December 2023, the CIR SEIU presented comprehensive proposals covering wages, sick leave, fertility benefits, vacation, and holidays. However, CIR SEIU has yet to receive any response from Sutter. Sutter’s prolonged delays and disrespectful behavior during bargaining sessions have left hard-working residents feeling disheartened and powerless. AFT 2121 members understand that treatment all too well. We also know how important it is to come together and stand up for yourself as one.

Come and show your support and solidarity for San Francisco’s hard working medical residents!

CPMC Van Ness Campus
1101 Van Ness
SF, CA 94109
Friday, May 17th, from 12:30 to 1:00.

HELU Founding Convention, May 17-19 online

Higher Education Labor United (HELU) is a national organization founded in 2021 to unite higher education workers throughout the U.S. Unions and organizations representing over 550,000 higher ed and allied workers across the U.S. are working to organize together around a shared platform.

The very first HELU convention will be held in a hybrid format, so even if you can’t travel to New Brunswick, NJ, you can still join in! The Convention will solidify HELU’s organizational structure and plans for the short- and long-term through decisions made by delegates. Voting at the convention is limited to delegates of HELU member organizations in good standing. Educational and plenary sessions will be open to the general public with advance registration. There is no cost to attend.

Participate in Your Union Decision-Making! Join DA and COPE meetings on Tues 5/14

COPE – Committee on Political Education, NOTE NEW TIME. 12:00-3pm, Tuesday, 5/14 on Zoom (agenda here)

Want to hear Mayoral candidates Aaron Peskin, Daniel Lurie, and Ahsha Safaí speak about their vision for City College? Then participate in your union’s Committee on Political Education Meeting next Tuesday–learn, listen, and ask questions of Mayoral and Supervisor candidates for office this November. This is a chance to participate in your union’s democratic process and help shape the future of our city and our college. All members are encouraged to attend.

DA – Delegate Assembly 3-5 PM, Tuesday 5/14 on Zoom (agenda here)

Participate in your union’s Delegate Assembly to share insights on enrollment in your department, brainstorm solutions, hear important updates about the restoration of your salary concessions from 21-22, and help shape the direction of your union’s organizing going forward. Together, we can build a stronger City College for the good of our students and city. All members are encouraged to attend.

You can use the same link as for other COPE & DA meetings – follow this link from your computer or smartphone. Meeting ID: 810 1671 8065, Password: 783119.

Full link for both meetings: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81016718065?pwd=UFk0SzdUY2FLdXdLL2RLZW1wdnhRZz09#success

CFT Unemployment Insurance Workshop for AFT Members Thurs 5/16

Event May 16, 2024 – 3:30pm – 5:00pm CFT Training Department

Did you know you can collect unemployment over the summer if you are a part time faculty member at CCSF? This Unemployment Insurance Workshop will guide contingent faculty through the online unemployment filing process, for both new and reopened claims. How to deal with phone interviews, denials, and appeals will also be covered. All part timers are encouraged to attend.

Register here

Presenter: John Govsky, a CFT vice president, has many years of experience researching, writing about, and assisting contingent faculty with unemployment issues.

Join Union Allies & Mobilize for Connie Chan this Saturday at 11am

As the union of CCSF instructors, librarians, and counselors, you voted to endorse Connie Chan for re-election as District 1 San Francisco Supervisor because she has stood up stronger leadership and better accountability at our college. She’s also shown up tirelessly for the needs of our students.

This Saturday, May 11, join labor allies from around the city in mobilizing for Connie Chan. This is a pivotal election in November, and City College needs allies like Connie Chan.

FACCC Symposium on a Unified Faculty Model

The Faculty Association of California Community Colleges encourages all faculty, union and academic senate leaders to attend it’s Part Time Faculty Symposium on the Unified Faculty Model, also known as a one-tier model. Topics include the benefits of “One-Tier” for full-time faculty, students, and community colleges. Flyer here.

Friday, May 10 | 2:00 – 5:00 P.M. | Free, Virtual Event | REGISTER HERE

Restoration Checks Are Here!

Collective union power–that is how you today received a salary restoration for 21-22.

Back when the impacts of the COVID pandemic on our economy and college budgets were extremely uncertain, an overwhelming majority of faculty voted to take wage concessions for the good of our fellow colleagues and–we believed–the good of the college. This was done with the stipulation that if the college’s financial situation ended up being better than expected, the District would reinstate the faculty’s concessions.

Ultimately the Budget Office’s doom and gloom forecasts did not materialize, and the college ended the 2021/2022 school year with a budget surplus. Despite this, it took a successful Unfair Labor Practice judgment, substantial pressure through your union contract campaign, and the power of collective action through a building strike threat to get the District to step up and follow through on their agreement.

When faculty work together on shared goals, we win. It has been a long time coming, and took far more work than it should have, but faculty finally today received restoration of their 2021/2022 wage concessions in this April paycheck.

The District has informed AFT that–with a few exceptions who have already been notified–current faculty should all have received pay restoration in the 4/30/24 pay cycle. Faculty who have retired, been laid off or who have otherwise separated from employment at the college since July 2021 may not receive their checks in this cycle. We are hopeful that the payroll department will be able to complete the remainder of the concessions repayments by the end of May, and will of course update our community when we have more definitive information.

Unfortunately, it appears that, without warning, the District has not followed the negotiated terms of our agreement in processing our pay restoration. In a sampling of paychecks, AFT has verified correct calculation of gross pay, but a 10.25% deduction for CalSTRS instead of the stipulated 8-9%. AFT has sent a request for information to the District to understand why this was done and to initiate the process of correction/adjustment.

Any current faculty who expected but did not receive restoration of the 2021/2022 wage concessions should report it here. This form automatically sends a copy to payroll and AFT for follow up.

Working together–that is how you won the full restoration of your salary for 21-22, a 14% raise, and paid parental leave for the first time. Our power as faculty is in our community. That is how we fight for our contract, students, and college.

AFT 2121 Leadership Election Results

The results are in! Here is your elected leadership for 2024-2026.

PRESIDENT Mary Bravewoman

VICE-PRESIDENT Robin Pugh

SECRETARY Holly Stevens

TREASURER Fanny Law

EXECUTIVE BOARD (Reps-at-Large)
Adele Failes-Carpenter, Alan D’Souza, Erik Christianson, Maura Devlin-Clancy, Megan Sweeney

LABOR COUNCIL DELEGATES
Alan D’Souza, Erik Christianson, Malaika Finkelstein, William (Bill) Shields

AFT CONVENTION DELEGATES Erik Christianson, Robin Pugh

PROPOSED AMENDMENTS to CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS – Passed

Precinct Representatives

Precinct 1: Community and Adult Ed (ESL, Older Adults, Transitional Studies, International)
Carla Crocomo, Carolyn Cox, Melissa McPeters & Wynn Newberry

Precinct 2: Languages & Communications (English, Journalism, Communications, World Languages & Cultures)
Darren Keast & Jen Levinson

Precinct 3: Library + Culinary
Andrea Niosi

Precinct 5: Math
Amy McClanahan

Precinct 6: Business, Computer Technology, & Contract Ed (Business, CNIT, Computer Science & Contract Ed)
Maura Devlin-Clancy

Precinct 7: Nursing (RN & LVN)
Jennifer Hong

Precinct 9: DSPS & Student Health
Galina Gerasimova

Precinct 10: Lab Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Astronomy, Earth Sciences)
Karl Westerberg, Torrey Glenn

Precinct 11: Counseling
Julissa Viñals

Precinct 12: Evans (Auto, Construction Trades, Custodian)
Stephen Brady

Precinct 13: Admin Justice & Fire Science
Wilfred Williams

Precinct 15: PE/Athletics/Dance
Jimmy Collins

Precinct 16: Ethnic Studies & Social Justice (IDST, Ethnic Studies, Health Ed, Labor Studies, Women & Gender Studies)
Marco Mojica

Precinct 19: Performing Arts (Music, Theater, Cinema)
Anjali Sundaram

Precinct 20: Design (BEMA, VMD, Horticulture)
Monique Comacchio

Retiree Chapter Chair Ann Killebrew

Retiree Chapter Vice-Chair Merle Burnick

Retiree Chapter Treasurer & Secretary These positions were elected via write-in and will be announced soon.

Retiree Chapter Precinct Rep Doug Orr

Retiree Chapter AFT 2121R Delegate to 2024 AFT Convention Ann Killebrew

AFT 2121 Elders Speak! An Oral History

We hope you’ve marked your calendar for AFT 2121’s end of year party and celebration, May 17, 4-6:30pm at Pierre Coste.

Part of our celebration will include updates on our union oral history project: AFT 2121 Elders Speak! This project allows current and future members to learn of past travails and triumphs by our union via video, panel presentation and song and dance. Come, honor and learn from our elders and have a good time celebrating our union’s 50+ year history. For more information, contact Bill Shields at billshieldssf@gmail.com.

May Day events

In much of the world, May 1 is known as International Workers Day. This is an opportunity to join with our siblings in labor around the world to celebrate what can happen when we come together for the good of all.

Here are some local May 1 events being organized by Bay Area Labor for Palestine:

• 10am-2PM March in SF, 24th and Mission, sponsored by Jobs for Justice, Mujeres Unidas, Living Wage Coalition, and many others.

• 2pm March in Oakland, 1301 Clay St – Oakland Federal Building, sponsored by Sin Fronteras.

• 4pm Oakland Port Shutdown, meet at West Oakland BART