Location: SB-105
Time: 11AM
Members Present: Dave Michalak, Fred Loveland, Ted Nappi (Proxy for Jason Detrani), Judi Dzuba, Bill Hollister, Brian Loy, Joe Julian (Proxy for Joan Lubar) John Pierog, Suzanne Shepard, Tim Skinner, Jason Smith, Howard Streby, Anne Uncapher (Proxy for Meghan McGuiness), Leon Wlazlo, David Zeggert, and Joe Spence
Meeting called to order at 11:03 PM
Hard copy of proposed February minutes distributed and passed unanimously. (Motion: H. Streby. Second: J. Dzuba)
Committee Reports:
- Organizing Committee:
- Suzanne led the Council in a structured activity- Affinity Diagram- designed to help Rep Council clarify desired negotiation outcomes at the current stage. This activity may be used by Rep Council delegates with their constituents.
- Sought funding for the Signing Party and costs relevant to printing FA nameplates.
- Reminded of April 19th “Wisconsin Rising” screening. Funding was requested for the provision of refreshments not to exceed $250. Motion by D. Zeggert for said approval; seconded by J. Pierog. This passed unanimously with no further discussion.
- Negotiations Resource Committee:
- The NRC will continue supporting the work of the Action Committee.
Officer Reports:
- President’s Report:
- Labor Management had been suspended during negotiations, but has reactivated to discuss critical issues including the discrepancies between courses taught as Contact vs. Lecture mode. College argues that any change would be cost-prohibitive.
- A tentative MOU has been reached with regard to issues in the Nursing Department. The college wants to implement a temporary 12 month chair position for accreditation purposes that requires bargaining. This has been in discussion with the department in conjunction with the hiring of a new ranked faculty member.
- FA is still trying to complete the MOU guaranteeing members representation in the event of another Article 72 proceeding. FA is merely seeking the right to representation for all members in such proceedings.
- At the most recent negotiation session, the college asked to send the distance learning contract proposal back to Labor Management. It is unclear as to whether the primary issue is with paying faculty to train on and learn new platforms or to develop new courses.
- Vice President’s Report:
- Fred brought up the ongoing MOU to address the procedure for using online course evaluations. Proposals have been changed frequently with no final result. Fred indicated that without a satisfactory result soon, the FA will be compelled to grieve this issue based upon the contractual timeline. Council member B. Hollister initiated a discussion for more transparency with regard to MOU’s and the process surrounding them. President Michalak and Vice President Loveland discussed the MOU procedure and the timing of how such things unfold. It is often very fluid and difficult to keep current updates on in terms of the timing. H. Streby requested that copies of draft MOU’s be shared prior to Rep Council meetings. President Michalak reiterated that the process is as transparent as possible, that he is open to more transparency, and that MOU’s are discussed at Rep Council meetings, which are open to all members. Secretary Spence will distribute all Draft MOU documents to Rep Council members both as they are received and with draft agendas.
- Vice President Loveland read aloud the draft MOU proposal for the nursing chairperson. Discussion ensued with regard to FA agreeing to a one-time, temporary 12 month chair position that would allow for the Nursing Department to have a chair to work on accreditation. President Michalak stressed that this would be a one-time, limited position. T. Nappi asked what the “fallout” might be for other chairs. President Michalak indicated that Administration wants a 10 month person to work on Chair work to prepare for the August accreditation site visit. The FA is advocating for a 12 hour/week compensation. Any time in excess of that would require additional negotiation. Rep Council members were asked to review/consider this option over the course of the next Month and to draft some generic language that could be ultimately placed in the contract.
- The concept of Due Process applies to Adjunct faculty as well as to regular full time faculty. Adjuncts do not receive, nor are they eligible for, tenure.
NEW BUSINESS:
- As a result of earlier discussion, H. Streby and B. Hollister suggested that Rep Council should meet more than just once a month. President Michalak and Vice President Loveland agreed this was a good idea. Meetings for this semester will be: April 19, April 26, May 3, and May 10th. All to be held on Old Science Building Room 105.
Motion to adjourn made at 12:07PM by D. Zeggert, seconded by H. Streby. Unanimous.
Respectfully submitted,
Joseph S. Spence – FA Secretary
SUNY Broome Community College 