We Can Dues This Together: Building Solidarity for a Stronger Future
By Billy Gunn
The full-time faculty response to the recent Negotiation Survey was overwhelming. Over 100 of our colleagues provided thoughtful insights into the challenges we face. As we approach a crucial negotiation, this coming fall and spring, it is more important than ever that we stand united.
Negotiations are at the heart of how we, as faculty, can influence the conditions under which we work and the quality of education and services we provide to students. This year’s negotiations come at a pivotal time. After enduring the effects of inflation over the past four years, our purchasing power has been significantly eroded. But increasing our base salary through cost of living adjustments is just the beginning. There are numerous other issues that affect our daily work life, from workload to health benefits, reassigned time, professional development, in-person work requirements, and more. Every full-time faculty member will be impacted by these negotiations. That’s why it is essential that each of us plays an active role in supporting the Faculty Assembly as we enter these critical negotiations with the administration.
Together, We’re Stronger
As full-time faculty and as a union, our strength lies in our solidarity. One key way to demonstrate our solidarity is by becoming a member of the MiraCosta College Faculty Assembly and contributing dues at the recommended rate of 0.4%. Over the last two years, the percentage of faculty paying dues has increased from 70% to 85%. If you are reading this article, I recognize that I am probably preaching to the choir, but if you are not currently an FA member—or if you are not paying dues at the recommended rate—I challenge you to submit a new FA Payroll Deduction Form today! Why not redirect a small portion of this year’s 5.5% COLA to Faculty Assembly dues? Dues are not just a requirement of FA membership, they are an investment in the power of our collective voice.
Our Fair Share
The recommended dues contribution of 0.4% of gross pay is designed to ensure that everyone contributes fairly to our collective effort. The funds generated through our dues support a wide range of activities that allow our union to function effectively: from negotiations and investigations, to legal counsel and research. In comparison to the dues paid by other local educators, 0.4% is a relatively small amount, but the collective impact is profound. We send a powerful message to the administration when we are united. When everyone does their part, we all benefit. Let’s enter these negotiations with confidence, knowing that we are united and prepared to advocate for the best interests of all faculty members.
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