General Membership Meeting Summary
Wednesday, September 28
It was standing room only as 106 members of the Ramapo Federation of State College Teachers packed SC136 today, spilling out into the hall of the Alumni Lounges. After the unanimous approval of a changes to the committee structure (inclusion of five Pro. Staff members) of the Perfomance-Based Promotions for Professional Staff, the meeting quickly moved to the topic of contract negotiations.
President Irene Kuchta outlined the state’s economic demands which are no cost of living adjustments (COLAs), no steps or increments for two years, increments for the last two years of the contract and then the contracted salary table would be ELIMINATED. The only salary increases at that point would be COLAs.
The state’s demands are also grim for Professional Staff. The state is calling for the elimination of multi-year contracts. When current contracts expire, only two year contracts will be issued; however non-renewal can occur without showing cause or availing the employee of arbitration. Under the state’s proposal Professional Staff will be at-will employees.
The union’s economic demands are 2.5%, 2.5%, 3%, 4%. The larger percentage in the later years reflect an attempt to make up what will be lost in the increase health care premium contributions.
Passions were high in the ensuing discussion regarding the projection of increased health care costs, the failure of the state to concede on any of their demands, the failure of the state healthcare committee to produce any plans in time for October open enrollment and the orchestrated attack on collective bargaining.
The energized crowd discussed ideas for action including informational picketing, work to rule and a strike straw vote. The body UNANIMOUSLY voted if the state’s CURRENT offer were put before them for ratification, they would be WILLING TO STRIKE. Ballots will be circulated for a straw poll of the entire membership on the issue of the state’s current demands as soon as possible.
