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...UO faculty file cards with majority support for new union (From Page 1) in students and a decline in resources for instruction,” she said, noting that the number of students majoring in her department has doubled, yet only one tenure-track position has been added. “The administration is using non- tenure track teachers routinely now,” she said. “ They used to use temps only to substitute for absences. Some de- partments have to hire at 0.49 full-time to keep them under the line for (insur- ance) benefits.” Cramer said some classes have got- ten so large that students are sitting in the aisles. “They’re mad, and they should be,” she said. “A world class university should focus on academics.” Boscha also is concerned about the students. “Bigger class sizes are hurt- ing students,” she said. “Poor faculty working conditions mean poor learning conditions.” Another faculty concern — health care benefits — echoes workers in other workplaces. “We’ve seen a non-transparent ero- sion of health insurance,” Cramer said. “We’ve had no voice. We can’t even get information on what the changes have been. Our union will be able to demand information and have a seat at the table.” AFT, which already represents in the sciences were concerned that unionizing would result in “leveling” faculty down to a common level of compensation, without regard to merit. The AAUP supplied copies of collec- tive bargaining agreements that demon- strated that contracts could “set floors and provide clear procedures,” as Cramer described. Similar to union- represented professional athletes, fac- ulty would remain able to negotiate (Editor’s Note: Stefan Ostrach, a re- Volunteers, donations sought for kids’ fishing derby in Vancouver University of Oregon faculty members Tina Boscha, Karen McPherson, and Deborah Olson prepare to deliver union authorization cards signed by more than 1,000 of their colleagues to the state Employment Relations Board. Faculty selected affiliation with both the American Federation of Teachers, AFL-CIO, and the American Association of University Professors. The union will be formally certified once the ERB confirms that the signed cards represent a majority of the 1,912 UO faculty. some 1,300 graduate teaching fellows at UO, provided considerable staff re- sources to the organizing effort. Faculty activists credit the involve- ment of the AAUP as well. The AAUP’s participation showed “we were respectful of professional- ism,” Pope explained. A longtime member of the AFT, Pope said some professors, especially Salem-area labor council elects new officers SALEM, OR — Kathy Bonogofski has been elected president of the Mar- ion-Polk-Yamhill Counties Central La- bor Council. She succeeds Joe Munger, who did not seek re-election to the un- paid position. The labor council is an umbrella organization of 22 union lo- cals representing more than 9,000 union members. “We have a strong council, and I look forward to working with and represent- ing all aspects of labor in our area,” said Bonogofski, a chapter president with Oregon School Employees Association who works at Willamette Educational Service District as a registrar for home- schoolers. Bonogofski previously served on the labor council as vice president. Munger, a member of Steelworkers Local 8378, was elected vice president. Other new officers elected were trustees Jackie Pierce and Dave Cleve- land, both retired members of Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 503, and Burley Mack of Oregon AFSCME Council 75. They will join incumbents Rosalie Pedroza of SEIU Local 503 and Office and Professional Employees International Union Local (OPEIU) 153, Tim Roark of the Amer- ican Federation of Government Em- ployees, and Monte Hansen of Steel- higher compensation. Formerly bitter rivals, AFT, which is an affiliate of the AFL-CIO, and AAUP, an independent union, have been work- ing jointly for some time. The two have organized joint bargaining units for fac- ulty at Rutgers University in New Jer- sey, the New York State University Sys- tem, and others. workers Local 8378. Richard Swyers, an officer with AF- SCME Local 2067 at the City of Salem, was re-elected secretary-treasurer, and Judy Sugnet, a retired member of SEIU Local 503 and OPEIU Local 153, was re-elected recording secretary. Terms of office are two years. Munger and Greg Creal of the Inter- national Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 280 will continue their labor council appointments on the board of directors for Job Growers Inc., a regional Workforce Investment Board. Munger also will continue to serve on the General Board and Com- mittee on Political Education of the Oregon AFL-CIO. VANCOUVER — Union sponsors and volunteers are needed for the 13th annual Klineline Kids Fishing Derby, Friday and Saturday, April 13-14. Klineline Pond is located at Salmon Creek Park in Vancouver. One of the biggest events in Clark County, the derby attracts more than 1,500 children ages five to 14. The Friday fish-in is for special needs kids. With a $5 entry fee, each child receives a fishing rod, T-shirt, and lunch. The fish they catch are cleaned and bagged for them to take home. There are also lots of prizes, including bicycles, tackle boxes with gear, and much more. The fishing derby received this year’s Spirit of Clark County award pre- sented by the Clark County board of commissioners. Approximately 700 volunteers are needed to assemble fishing rods and reels prior to the fish-in, and to assist kids the day of the event. Members of several unions have been instrumental in the continuing success of the event, but more are still needed. Union local sponsors also are needed. A contribution of $250 will get your union logo on T-shirts and provide space to hang your union banner the day of the event. For participation, sponsorship, or volunteer opportunities, call Roben White at 360-608-8537. The fish-in is presented by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and Klineline Kids Fishing. For more information about the derby, go online to http://www.klineline- kf.org/. Gradine Storms, Principal Broker RE/MAX equity group Cell/Text 503-495-4932 grady@gradystorms.com PAGE 4 NORTHWEST LABOR PRESS APRIL 6, 2012
