I’m Tony Chenevert, Retiree Committee Chair and 1st Vice-President of the Alliance/AFT. I'm honored  to be in a position to serve you.  I will do my best to keep you updated on what is happening in the district as it relates to our Remarkable Retirees.  Click on the above link, "A-4 Retirees", and learn how to become a member.

Thank you so much for your support.

Courses taken as voluntary overload by Full Time faculty in the Fall, 2011 and Spring, 2012 semesters.

All non-probationary part-time faculty are encouraged to read this article, regarding our investigation into improper course assignments.

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Q: It seems like a one year extension is a sign from the ARC that it has no confidence in being able to operate beyond the year 2013, and that they are giving us a year to prepare for shut down. It also seems to me like if we dont grant the ARC of Monmouth a year extension, that after the current contract is up they will cease operations altogether. A three year contract is at least for the near future work and hope, a one year contract leaves doubt and instability in a work force already struggling to make ends meet.

A: There is no reason at all to think that Arc will be shutting down. The reason they have asked us for a one-year contract extension is that they once again expect a zero funding increase from DDD. This has been the case for the last three years, and we have still received our negotiated 3% raises while Arc has cut corners in other ways. Their Monmouth County funding and fund raising proceeds have also decreased.

When Arc programs are in jeopardy or layoffs are possible, they have consistently informed the Union leadership and the affected employees. Unfortunately the Hersh High School program is being shut down at the end of this school year as the student enrollment is below levels allowed by the state Dept. of Education. The staff have already been given layoff notices. During the past couple of years the Work Opportunity Center has been at genuine risk of being closed due to state funding cuts. The cuts were averted due to efforts by the disability advocacy community. Mary Scott kept the Union informed during this crisis.

If the Union membership turns down the one-year contract extension, we will have to negotiate a new contract and everything in the contract will be subject to change including health benefits, pension matching, time off benefits and employee rights. There is absolutely no guarantee of a salary increase or a 3-year contract if we negotiate. In fact I think a 3-year agreement would be unlikely in the current economy. The length of a new contact is always part of what is negotiable. The Union Executive Board has recommended the extension, even though we are not happy about a salary freeze, because it will preserve everything else that we have for another year. Management has guaranteed us they will not come to us asking for increased health care contributions if their insurance bills go up when the insurance is renewed in July. If the economy continues to improve, we may be in a much more positive position to negotiate next year.

The HCT is forming a new group, though several names have been tossed around, “Crafty Devils”, “Knit Wits”, “Stitch *itches”… the final choice remains to be seen (but maybe not heard). What they are is a group of HCT members who are interested in sharing ideas and talents with other HCT members. One goal of the group will be to participate in the “Red Scarf Project” next fall. This project, started by the Foster Care to Success Organization, provides former foster children, now enrolled in college, with care packages several times a year. In each student’s Valentine’s Day Package, they enclose a handmade red scarf. What better way to show a student that a teacher somewhere still cares about them. So if you are looking for a new hobby, or want to find a way to de-stress or keep your fingers out of the cookie jar, please join us in the HCT office on Friday March 9th after school. If you are a veteran knitter, crocheter or any type of crafter, bring a project to work on and a pattern to share if you can. If you are a newbie, just come with or without an idea and we will help you get started. Please let Sam in the HCT office 516-937-1288 know if you are joining us.   

AFT Seattle will begin negotiations with the SCCD on Friday, February 24^th.   The faculty negotiations team has been chosen, and there are plenty of opportunities to support the team.  See full article for details.

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The Saving American Democracy Amendment states that:

• Corporations are not persons with constitutional rights equal to real people.
• Corporations are subject to regulation by the people.
• Corporations may not make campaign contributions or any election expenditures.
• Congress and states have the power to regulate campaign finances.