From John Stratton, TLC President

At the county overnight, I was struck by several positive things that I want to share with the membership (as opposed to the things that make me talk to myself when I’m walking out to the parking lot). Some of these things revolve around issues and questions that resurface periodically, while some are just informational. They are all things I think the membership should hear about.

#1.    Health Care: The governor is negotiating with the NJEA on health care issues separately from other state unions. We expect that this will result in a version of the State Health Benefits Program for K-12 and community college educators that will preserve (or even augment) your benefits through the state fiscal crisis. This is only possible because of the size of the NJEA.

#2.    Contract Imposition: Another example of the NJEA getting something through legislation is “contract imposition.” Until recently, the negotiation process could end with the Administration “imposing” its last, best offer on the Association. The efforts of the NJEA resulted in legislation that prevents this from happening to K-12 and community college educators. Why were state college faculty not able to secure this? Because they are not NJEA. So,…..

#3.    We should stick with the NJEA. The NJEA is a large union that the smaller unions have historically turned to when bad legislation is coming down the pike. The theme of #1, #2 and #3 above is (despite what you’ve been told all your life)…

#4.    Size does matter. At other community colleges we are seen as THE model for coordinated bargaining here at ACCC. There are some job actions that the faculty can undertake because of their role in the college. There are other job actions that the staff can lead due to their numbers. These last negotiations required an unfortunate, but necessary, amount of job action. It is my hope that future negotiations will go a little smoother. Our immediate goal should be to reestablish a smooth working relationship with the Administration and get back to business. Either way, we need to build on the inner and intra-unit cohesiveness that we currently enjoy.