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Welcome to a new school year, and the second issue of ACT-UAW Update. In the past few months, we've seen years of hard
work pay off in three arbitration victories; we're excited to report on them. We've also bid farewell to one of the guiding
forces of ACT-UAW, UAW Region 9A Director Phil Wheeler, and are making final preparations for the September 15 Faculty Convocation.
This and more below.
Have a story you'd like to share with your fellow teachers, or a question you'd like answered in a future issue? Email it
to us at news@actuaw.org - Barry Greenhut, Editor
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In this issue
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ACT-UAW Members Win Arbitrations
Phil Wheeler Retires,
Julie Kushner New Assistant Director
SPECIAL EVENT:
Part-Time Faculty Convocation on September 15
Short Takes
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Coming Events
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Tue Sep 5 New School & NYU classes begin
Fri Sep 15 Special event: ACT-UAW
Part-time Faculty Convocation, 230 Thompson Street (Judson
Church), Noon-4pm.
Fri Sep 29 Steward Training Session, Noon-4pm, 113 University Place. Contact us to learn more: (212)432-2120, mail@actuaw.org
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ACT-UAW Members Win Arbitrations
We have won three recent arbitration decisions in contract disputes with NYU:
* Termination pay: In March, an arbitrator agreed that NYU owed termination pay to an adjunct who was not reappointed
after teaching six semesters with a clear record of good performance.
* Speech Pathology: Later in July, an arbitrator prevented NYU from excluding Speech Pathology teachers classified as "clinical
supervisors" from our contract. NYU is trying to deny a wide range of clinical and field instructors our contract's benefits
and protections. This arbitration is just the first in a series to protect teachers in several programs.
* HEOP: In August, NYU was prevented from using a similar tactic to deny benefits and protection to teachers in the Higher
Education Opportunity Program. NYU classified them as "researchers" although they spent 100% of their time teaching.
In the coming months, we expect decisions in several more arbitrations about who should be protected by our contract, and
who is owed termination pay.
While these cases sound straightforward, they typically take one to two years to complete, from filing the initial grievance,
to coordinating schedules for the arbitration process, interviewing faculty and preparing written statements, attending arbitration
sessions, and waiting for the arbitrator's decision. The cases require the time and effort of many people, including the teachers
involved, our local's officers and stewards, and our union reps and lawyers. This investment pays off in two ways: our members
get the benefits and protection they deserve, and our contracts are strengthened for the future.
Click here to learn about the grievance and arbitration process.
Phil Wheeler Retires; Julie Kushner New Assistant Director
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| Photo: Cate Fallon |
Phil Wheeler, who was Director of UAW Region 9A and one of ACT-UAW's guiding forces, retired in June.
Phil was instrumental in the formation of our local. He brought decades of UAW experience to our meetings, discussions
and the bargaining table. His commitment to the UAW and its principles guided all his interactions with us.
After we gained recognition at NYU in 2002, Phil described his vision of the road ahead: he felt that the coming contract
negotiation with NYU would raise standards for all adjuncts and part-time faculty in the New York area. He came with us to
the first bargaining session, and with a fierce bang on the table, set the negotiation into motion. In the final days of negotiations,
he returned to help us get a remarkable first contract, with raises, healthcare, a pension contribution, and the right to
a real voice at NYU.
Phil's commitment to part-time faculty helped get organizing underway at The New School. While we were working on campus,
Phil brought us to the attention of the International UAW. At several events in the last few years, the UAW has heard the
struggles of part-time faculty in New York, and cheered for our victories.
It would be difficult to overestimate what Phil did for us; without his foresight, guidance, and immense support, ACT-UAW
would have been little more than campaign slogans.
Upon Phil's retirement, Bob Madore was elected to the position of Regional Director. Bob was Phil's Assistant Director
for many years, and we look forward to working with him.
Bob has appointed Julie Kushner as his Assistant Director. We were very pleased to hear this, because Julie was also instrumental
in the formation of our Local. From organizing to elections to contracts, she helped steer and guide us from our first steps
onward. Our contract with The New School reflects her vision of dignity and fairness in the workplace, and is considered by
many to be the new benchmark academic contract. We wish Julie well in her new position, and while we will miss her, she will
always have a special place in the heart of the local.
SPECIAL EVENT: Part-time Faculty Convocation on September 15
ACT-UAW will host a Part-time Faculty Convocation on Friday September 15 from noon to 4pm, at 230 Thompson Street (Judson
Memorial Church). This informal afternoon is designed to bring new and returning faculty together to meet union leaders and
share stories with your colleagues. We'll have information on your contracts and benefits, and our local's officers will be
available to talk and listen to your ideas and questions.
We're also planning a book table and a slide presentation geared to showcase members accomplishments. We'll be sending
a separate email with submission information for the slide show. If you have a book you want to showcase, or have been published
in periodicals, let us know and we'll include your work on the book table.
Refreshments will be served, so stop by, even if only for a few minutes!
Short Takes
NYU Professional Development Fund If you teach at NYU, start thinking now about professional development opportunities
coming this academic year, and apply early for a grant from the Professional Development Fund. To learn how, contact your
department head. In general, members are eligible for an award of up to $1,000.
GSOC Struggle Continues NYU's graduate assistants face a second year without a contract.
UAW Endorses Ned Lamont The United Auto Workers endorsed Lamont on August 23, a day after representatives of about
other 20 union locals held a rally for Joe Lieberman.
In Our Previous Update
Have a story you'd like to share with your fellow teachers, or a question you'd like answered in a future issue? Email it
to us at news@actuaw.org.
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