Dear Peralta Community,

Welcome to the first fourth Tuesday of 2010! Response to the e-Communiqué—launched last September—has been strong and positive, so expect regular updates throughout the academic year. Again, welcome back and Happy New Year!

*The PFT intervened late last semester to save several spring 2010 classes, all completely full, from the administrative chopping block. Union action preserved part-time faculty jobs and kept scores of students in school. The PFT remains vigilant, insisting that management follow the contract, proceed fairly, and maintain as many teachers and students as possible.

*At its sparsely attended Jan. 12 meeting, the Peralta Board of Trustees renewed a long list of management contracts. Conspicuously absent from the list were the contracts of Chancellor Elihu Harris, whose term expires on June 30, 2010, and CFO Tom Smith, whom the board placed on administrative leave. The 2009-10 budget, a contentious agenda item over the last several months, wasn’t up for consideration at the holiday-break meeting.

*The Peralta Board of Trustees returns to the district boardroom at 333 E. Eighth St. tonight, Tues., Jan. 26, at 7 p.m. Once again, budget-approval deliberations will not appear on the agenda, but a few important items remain: a contract increase for external auditors, approval of student health fees, and a possible deal with Chevron Energy Solutions. Show up and be heard!

*The Executive Council of the PFT has officially endorsed the March 4 No Cuts to Education Rally, set for 5 p.m. at San Francisco Civic Center. The PFT will join CCSF teachers (AFT Local 2121) and educators and students from around the Bay Area to get the word out about the plight of public education. Learn more at againstcuts.org.

*Join the student-led No Cuts to Education group tonight, Tues., Jan. 26, at 5:30 p.m. on the fourth floor of the Laney College Student Center. Help strategize for spring semester and prep for the March 4 day of action! For more information, email no.cuts.laney@gmail.com.

*Elections for PFT diversity chair and delegates to the spring CFT convention wrap up today, Tues., Jan. 26, at 4 p.m. Be sure to get your official ballots into PFT headquarters—500 E. Eighth St., Ste. B—before the close of the business day.

*Part-timers are encouraged to attend an information session on AB 381/SDI , the recently passed State Disability Insurance law for community college part-time faculty, Thurs., Feb. 4, 12–1 p.m., in A 266 at Laney. Speakers will include reps from the Faculty Association of California Community Colleges and the Employment Development Department. The PFT will hold an election this term in which PT faculty will decide whether the union should negotiate an agreement with the district for 1.1% SDI deductions from adjunct paychecks.

In unity,

Debby Weintraub, President
PFT, AFT Local 1603

For more about the PFT—contract information, contacts, downloadable forms, updates, etc.—visit pft1603.org or write PFT1603info@gmail.com.

Contact Us
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Oakland, CA 94606-2825
Phone: (510)763-8820
E-mail address: Union@pft1603.org