FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  Tuesday, October 4, 2016

Statement from the California Federation of Teachers

On Friday Gov. Jerry Brown signed Assembly Bill 1690 and Senate Bill 1379, which together mandate that community college district administrators must bargain with faculty unions that represent part-time instructors over re-employment rights. Previously re-employment was not a mandatory topic of bargaining.

CFT President Joshua Pechthalt:
“This is welcome news. It is long past time that the majority of community college faculty—part-time or adjunct instructors—have the ability to negotiate terms of reemployment. As temporary employees, they rely on a strong collective bargaining agreement to ensure a measure of fairness and consistency in their terms of employment. Governor Brown’s signature means the possibility of more security for the people who teach half the classes in the community college system and greater continuity for their students.”

CFT Community College Council President Jim Mahler:
“This is indeed a historic piece of legislation, and a huge step forward in addressing the dignity and respect our part-time faculty deserve but are far too often lacking. Assemblymember Jose Medina (D-Riverside) and Senator Tony Mendoza (D-Artesia) showed vision and perseverance in carrying the legislation, and we are pleased the governor wisely chose to sign it.”

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The California Federation of Teachers represents more than 25,000 faculty in California’s community college system. It is the statewide affiliate of the American Federation of Teachers, and represents more than 100,000 faculty and school employees in public and private schools and colleges, from early childhood through higher education. More info: www.cft.org.