Support Staff met today in H116 on the Mays Landing campus. Video-conferencing was setup for the Atlantic City and Cape May Campuses. H116 is the largest lecture room on the Mays Landing campus. The room was full. Members of the Support Staff Bargaining Team present were Michelle Bevan, Renee DeAngelo, Ed Perkins, and Rhonda Petruzzi. In addition, other members of the Unity Negotiations Team present were Nick Ganaway, President ACCCOSAP; John Stratton, President of the Faculty Unit; and Will Parsons, President of the ACCC Education Association.

Michelle Bevan, Vice President of Support Staff made a PowerPoint presentation to go over some of management’s demands for “increased flexibility” that involved having workers at any location at any time with no extra compensation. They also demanded “cost containment” that involved health care cuts and less money for more work. After showing what the team had to struggle with for a year, Michelle when over the tentative contract noting the changes. A question-and answer period followed. A couple of security people expressed disappointment that the security scheduling had not changed and a physical plant employee said he was unhappy with the reduction in the sick-leave payout upon retirement. A couple of people asked for clarification about two of the contract changes. When there were no further questions, Michelle asked if anyone wanted a written ballot. No one did; so a show of hands overwhelmingly approved the tentative new contract.

Now all four bargaining units have approved the contracts. The next step is for the ACCC Board of Trustees to ratify the contracts. That will most likely happen at the next Board on Tuesday March 27. Then it will take a few weeks for the Business Area to make changes in your paycheck.

Following the ratification meeting Michelle asked for nominations for officers for the Support Staff Bargaining unit. The following people were nominated, seconded, and agreed to run for office. Rhonda Petruzzi for secretary; Michelle Bevan for vice pesident; Renee DeAngelo for president; Ed Perkins for president. Nominations for these offices may still be made. Make sure the candidate will agree to run and find someone who is willing to second the candidate. Put your nomination in writing and send it to the support staff secretary, Gail Mischlich.

Will Parsons, Coordinator for the Unity Negotiations Team