Please click here to download the MOA pdf.

We would like to welcome several newly approved A&R stewards who will be the next wave of warriors for our union.  Each new steward of A&R undergoes a 3-year evaluation period before final confirmation by the RA.

UPDATE (3/9/20):
OPM/DAS had issued guidance to the agencies regarding novel coronavirus.  Over the weekend, OPM/DAS updated their guidance to restrict out-of-state travel by employees and to limit out of state contractors coming into the state (along with the normal “wash your hands” and Lysol your workstation message).

In addition to the Legislative Conference (held on Feb 29, at the LOB).  AFT-CT also holds a series of Legislative regional meetings throughout the State.  This year's offerings are listed below... these are free events, typically with free food/drink and they offer a nice relaxed atmosphere to sit at a table with legislators.  There is no pressure, no need to engage if you don't wish to engage, just an opportunity to hear one-on-one discussions with legislators.

On February 11, 2020, The World Health Organization announced a new name for the disease caused by the novel coronavirus; COVID-19.  The best way to protect you &  your loved ones is to be informed about COVID-19.

We proudly announce that Jan Bureau, long-time Treasurer for A&R has retired from state service!  We want to wish Jan well as she heads to Maine for the summer, but we also want to thank her for all she has done for us serving as a union officer and a friend.  Jan is the person who always found humor in life.  She smiled endlessly, and she always had a joke she wanted you to hear...her jokes were almost always corny, but they also made you smile every time (and shake your head).  She is loaded with life and finally decided that she was ready to enjoy something different after a 32 year

The Adjunct Faculty Federation held its spring membership meetings on February 24, at the Main Campus, and February 26 at the West Essex Campus.

We want to thank the members who attended, as we always appreciate your support.  

In fall 2020 we will try a different schedule for our meeting to see if we can accommodate more members’ schedules.

Some of the highlights of the meeting are as follows:

-        Use of the Early Alert System is encouraged to alert students of areas they need to focus on to successfully complete their coursework.

-        The Retention Task Force has been meeting and actively addressing issues related to retaining students.  There is a lot of focus on the Developmental Math and Developmental English classes.  Tutoring services have been ramped-up and there are improvements being noted in those areas.  In addition, there is a restructuring of some of the same Math and English classes.

-        It is important to submit “No-Show” and attendance reporting on time.  It has a direct effect on the College’s funding.

-         Timely mid-term grade and final grade reporting are important, as students need their grades in order to register for classes and/or graduate.   

-        We distributed New Jersey Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 185.  It is an Adjunct Faculty Bill of Rights.  This Resolution acknowledges adjunct faculty in the State of New Jersey.  It is a first step in helping adjunct faculty make legislative progress.  Unemployment Insurance is another issue we are working at improving for adjunct faculty.  

-        The AFTNJ Convention will be April 18, 2020, Saturday, at Rutgers University Cook Campus, 59 Biel Road, East Brunswick, NJ.  Go to http://aftnj.org for details.

-        The national AFT Convention will take place in Houston, Texas from July 27-30, 2020.  As of this meeting, there were no details available.  Go to http://aft.org for details or call (800) 238-1133.

-        Our Chapter scholarship applications are available for students and adjunct faculty who are interested and who qualify.  They are available on this website in the Resources tab.  

-        Members were reminded to use personal contact for John Smith, (973)856-1133, by phone or his email, jlsmith119@yahoo.com, when they need to express concerns or complaints NOT the essex webmail email addresses.  

-        It is important for adjunct faculty to come to the adjunct faculty unit officers with their concerns BEFORE going to the College Administration.  More often than not, we can get answers and reach solutions before things get too serious.  We cannot “fix” everything but we can try, if adjunct faculty work with us.

-        Our 4^th quarter financial documents have been completed and certified by our accountant, CPA Natalie Pitts. All of our taxes have been paid for 2019

-        We are transitioning our bank account from TD Bank to Investors Bank.  

-        According to the College Roster, there are a total of 308 adjunct faculty teaching spring 2020.  There was a total of 304 in the fall 2019 semester. 

-        There was an update on the state of our negotiations with ECC Administration.  The process has slowed, since ECC brought in the outside attorney.  

-        We looked at comparisons of pay and a few items contained in contracts of our sister County Colleges.  The comparisons illuminate their differences from ECC.  

-        Discussion of strategies to obtain a contract that is acceptable and reflects our worth. 

We look forward to seeing you at our next meeting.  Until then, do not hesitate to reach out to us with any questions or concerns you may have.

In Unity,

Lynne Peterson Cummins, (973)856-0767, lynnepcummins@aol.com

John L Smith, (973)856-1133, jlsmith119@yahoo.com

Mark Brodsky, (201)341-8811, Mark@csa-nyc.org

HFP local 2221
Fund our Future!

Please click the link to view the unoffical list of candidates for the March 12 Elections for the Elections Committee.

Unofficial List of Candidates for March 12 Elections for the Elections Committee