Editor’s Note:
To celebrate the hard work and tenacity of the members of our outgoing negotiation team, FTConnect asked each of them to share their thoughts on any aspect of negotiations process or the MOA itself.
Jim Werner’s insights are included in his President’s Message.
Deirdre Verne
I think an unanticipated upside to participating on the negotiation team was the opportunity to meet and interact with so many members of the Westchester Community College Faculty. It takes a lot of time and effort to research and formulate the union proposals as well as to evaluate the college’s demands. I thoroughly enjoyed the many calls and meetings we took with our members, and I thank everyone who took the time to help us better understand their work conditions. I learned so much about the individual academic departments, Counseling, the Library, and the Academic Support Center. I hope to keep the lines of communication open as we embark on another round of negotiations.
Eric De Sena
Greetings Colleagues,
Whew, we did it! We concluded our negotiations with the College, and the proposed MoA has been approved by our WCCFT Members! It was an honor to serve on the Negotiation Team together with Amanda, Jim, Deirdre, Laura, Madalena, and Sean. It is a huge victory for all of our faculty—teaching and non-teaching, full-time and adjunct. I have never been great in math, but 3+3+3.5+3.5 = 13%! Apart from the pay increase, there are many other important outcomes. Thanks to everyone who ratified the MoA. Congrats to all!
In solidarity, Eric
Madalena Mansino
I am thrilled we finally have a much-deserved contract after almost five years of negotiations. I am proud of the work the negotiation team put forth, particularly Amanda, Jim, and Deidre; they were fearless and fabulous. To the WCCFT membership, thank you for your patience and support.
Sean Simpson
While the negotiations were long and arduous, I am so proud of the ultimate result. I can’t say enough good things about the team—most especially about our labor relations specialist, Amanda. It was a great pleasure to serve the WCCFT on the team for this set of negotiations.
