Dear Colleagues,

I trust the semester is going well for you.

We have been very busy.  At present, the Payroll Department of Essex County College is sending letters to many of you regarding dues that are in arrears.

The Payroll Department didn’t deduct the dues from some adjuncts’ paychecks in the Fall 2009 semester.  There was a discrepancy with the records.  They asked us if they should deduct the dues from the last paycheck in December 2009 or deduct the dues in increments in the Spring 2010 semester.

We were not comfortable with having a lump sum taken from anyone’s paycheck during the holiday season.  We asked Payroll to deduct the dues in increments this semester, as it would be less inconvenient for our members.  Once these arrears are collected this semester, the effected adjuncts will be    up-to-date with the payments.

We just sent a mailing to our full members from Karen Feldman of United Adjunct Faculty of New Jersey.  As a Chapter of the organization, we are participating in the upcoming election.  Karen’s letter includes a petition for nomination of candidates.  The officers are President, Executive Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary.  I am petitioning for nomination for the office of Executive Vice President.  When you receive the letter and petitions, you can nominate anyone you like and I ask that you complete the petition with my name on it.  You are a member of local 2222.

We are also involved in a membership campaign.  Those of you who are agency fee members will receive a letter from me with the Dues Authorization Form and postage paid envelope attached.  The Dues Authorization Form must be completed for you to be a full member.  One of the major advantages of your full membership is the right to vote. More of the benefits are outlined in the “Treasurer’s Report” on this website.

I forwarded an email to our full members that was sent by the President of the State Federation of Teachers of New Jersey, which we are also affiliated with, asking us to take action against some of the bills Governor Christie is introducing.  Those bills may have a direct impact on our pensions.  The State Federation asks that we go to http://www.njleg.state.nj.us.  Find your district and legislators, and send them an email indicating your opposition to Pension Reform.  Do what makes you comfortable.

Should you have any questions, you can contact me at (973)856-0767 email eccaff6370@vzw.blackberry.net; John L Smith, Vice President, (973)856-1133 email eccaff6370local@vzw.blackberry.net; Mark Brodsky, Treasurer, (201) 341-8811 email mark@csa-nyc.org.

Please be reminded that the American Federation of Teachers offers scholarships to members who are continuing their education and to the children of members who are high school seniors.  Go to porterscholars@aft.org for the criteria and application.  The deadline is March 31, 2010.

Our next meeting dates are April 5 and 6, 2010, 4-6pm in the Essex Room on the Main Campus.  The agenda will be the same on both days.  Select the day that is more convenient for you. Let us know if you want an item included on the agenda.  We look forward to seeing you. 

Lynne Peterson Cummins

Chairperson/President

Essex County College Chapter

United Adjunct Faculty of New Jersey

Dear Adjunct Faculty,

As this calendar year is passing us by, the Officers of the Essex County Chapter want to inform you of 3 insurance programs we are bringing to you, as Full Members, at no additional charge.

1. New Members Only—$12,000 of Term Life and AD&D at no cost for one year!

New AFT members are entitled to ...

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Please click on the Title above to download the Updated (Revised) Version of the Dues Authorization Form.

Please click on the title above to view the Constitution.

While every grievance begins as a complaint, all complaints do not become grievances.  In order to know what complaints can be processed as grievances, you will need to refer to the collective bargaining agreement between Essex County College and the Essex County College Adjunct Faculty Federation  for the definition of a grievance.  (You can access the Agreement on this website).  As you will see in Article III., Section H., of the contract, a grievance can arise from a violation, misinterpretation or improper application of the collective bargaining agreement or a rule or policy of the College which affects the terms and working conditions of employment.

The purpose of the grievance procedure is to...

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Dear Colleagues,

We have made a lot of progress to date, and there is more to come.

By now, you should have received your raise and retroactive pay from the 
fall semester.

If you haven’t already done so, make sure to complete a Dues Authorization Form.  The Form is available on this Website.   This will entitle you to:

[Please click on the Title above to continue reading the President's Message.]

Dear Adjunct Faculty, 

There is a sense of pride and respect in the air at Essex County College. Through your forethought and encouragement, your Executive Board persevered and after 13 long months of meetings and strategy sessions, we were able to convince the college officers that we were entitled to be recognized and appreciated. There is probably no better way to be shown an employers appreciation for the hard work we do than with a raise – and a significant one at that. 

This is the first of what will be a turning point for us at Essex and for adjuncts across the state. It was wonderful meeting many of you at ratification meetings and your kind words and support helped buoy us even more. 

As your treasurer, I assure you we will abide by all recognized and approved accounting procedures to ensure your dues money supports our goals and objectives.  

We need one thing from you; we need for you to sign up as a full member. This will give you all the rights and privileges due a full member. Should you not sign up, as a closed shop, you will still be paying dues, but your privileges are not as encompassing. I think the difference is about $5.00 per term. Do yourself a favor so that we can continue to support you. 

Once again, thank you. 

Mark Brodsky 

The Adjunct Faculty of Essex County College is composed of individuals who have high principles, and great integrity.  We are masters in our fields of expertise, professionals in our areas, and we take great pride in our work.  Our priority is  our loyalty to our students and offering the highest quality education. We have a sincere love of teaching.  The students of Essex County College offer a wonderful challenge, which is met with fervor by the Adjunct Faculty.   

In April 2006...  [Click the Title above to read more]

The results of the recently held election of ECCAFF local officers are listed below:

            President:  Lynne P. Cummins

            Vice President:  John L. Smith

            Treasurer:  Mark Brodsky 

Thanks to all those adjunct faculty members who voted in the election.  Your support is appreciated.

NEW PENSION RULES FOR ADJUNCTS