Pace University Part-Timers Land First Contract
Tenacity and determination paid off for Pace University adjuncts, who recently won a groundbreaking proposed contract after four long years of struggle. Despite the difficulties and delays in dealing with a stubborn university administration, adjuncts stayed focused, stood their ground in bargaining and told their story through rallies, demonstrations and events that maintained the pressure until they reached their goals.
Long-time adjunct faculty member John Palowski helped lead this effort as president of the Union of Adjunct Faculty at Pace.
“We hope that besides bringing us important improvements in wages, benefits and job security, this contract, in and of itself, will be the first step in increasing the professional respect that is so long overdue for adjunct faculty. As we all know, the work we do as adjunct faculty has been institutionally undervalued for decades,” Palowski said. “That’s why four-and-a-half years ago an overwhelming majority of Pace faculty voted in favor of unionization.”
UAFP members will be voting on their new contract soon.
“These professionals deserve a lot of credit,” said NYSUT President Dick Iannuzzi. “This proposed agreement will provide them with better wages, benefits and rights on the job. Their determination sets a good example for all higher education adjuncts looking for fair wages and a stronger voice.”
NYSUT members and leaders have consistently stood with the Pace local union, showing support at a massive rally at the offices of a recalcitrant college trustee, picketing at the Manhattan and Westchester campuses and providing a noisy, visible presence, led by AFT President Randi Weingarten, at a 2007 university holiday event at New York’s Grand Central Terminal.
The proposed agreement touches on many of the issues Palowski said were key to forming a local union in the first place, including increased pay and better job security.
There would be a retroactive increase of 3 percent for the current school year. Adjuncts making less than $850 per credit hour would receive a retroactive increase to that level, as well as a 1.5 percent across-the-board and a 1.5 percent merit increase.
For the two upcoming years, the increases would be 1.5 percent and a 1.5 percent merit increase, using criteria set by the adjuncts and administered by an adjunct peer review committee.
The adjuncts are the only Pace employees who have salary commitments for the future, a first for the university. They will receive life insurance benefits and a 401(k) plan similar to other faculty.
A new category of “senior adjunct” was added that will provide extra compensation, based on experience and education.
Adjuncts will have the same protections as full-time faculty in academic freedom, intellectual property and distance learning rights.
Some members will have job security and just cause for termination protections.
Their local union will have rights to meeting space, union bulletin boards and payroll deduction for dues.
A new $25,000 fund was established to help members with health insurance needs. Its use will be determined by the union.
—from New York Teacher – November 14, 2008
