Dear Colleagues,
The past few weeks have been a trying time for all of us. Amidst the uncertainty, we’ve managed to move all instruction online so that students can finish the semester. While this is not academically ideal, given the circumstances YFA supports these efforts to reduce disruption as much as possible. YFA also recognizes the extraordinary work faculty put in to make this transition possible, a sentiment that’s been echoed by college and District administrators. YFA has developed plans to meet with the District to negotiate impacts resulting from this transition and the new reality we’ll be teaching and working in for at least the next few months. As always, YFA is committed to ensuring all faculty are treated equitably and have sufficient latitude to maintain pedagogically sound as well as physically healthy learning environments. If you have questions, contact your YFA representative.
Earlier this week, the Rep Council voted to not support the proposed new Resource Allocation Models (RAM) that are being considered by the District. The Rep Council did not take this step lightly, but felt compelled to act given some of the flaws in the proposal that can negatively impact negotiations.
Finally, given the academic and economic upheaval caused by COVID-19, I asked the Rep Council to reconsider the action it took last month to bring a dues increase proposal before the membership by the end of this semester. The Rep Council agreed to postpone the ratification vote until Fall 2020.
The proposed Bylaws revision to Article 5 as well as the election of the MJC Part-Time Faculty Representative will proceed as planned and be completed by Friday, May 1st.
There are only four weeks left in this Spring Term…. Thank God. Hang in there and press forward to your goal to finish well!!!!
Shelley Akiona
YFA President