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This is the AFT website for the adjunct union chapter at Camden County College campuses in Blackwood, Camden and Cherry Hill, New Jersey. Our original union, Camden County College Adjunct Faculty Federation (CCCAFF), was founded in 1995 to represent the economic, social and professional interests of part-time contingent faculty. It is affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and the international union of the AFL-CIO. In 2009, the NJ AFT community college locals voted to join together to form a super local called United Adjunct Faculty of New Jersey (UAFNJ). The Camden County Chapter of UAFNJ will continue to maintain local autonomy in dealing with the College. At the moment, including the members from Camden County College, there are 2600 members of UAFNJ.
Our present contract terminated on December 31, 2009. We are presently in negotiations with the College for a "successor" agreement. Negotiations are moving along well. As soon as we come to agreement, we will schedule a series of ratification meetings.
Message from President Elaine Bobrove
PENSIONS UNDER ATTACK
In the summer of 2008, we were able to save adjunct pensions, although in an altered form for many of us. To do so required an enormous lobbying effort. We need YOUR help again.
Governor Christie vowed to attack the Pension System if he was elected, and this is one campaign promise he is trying to keep. Four bills have been introduced that could have an impact on our pensions. One of the bills requires the pension system to be fully funded. We agree with the necessity for this.
Another bill, however, ATTACKS our pensions. It mentions the necessity for "continuous employment" as necessary to remain part of the PERS system, and that only one job can be counted in assessing the amount of one's pension. It also changes the formula under which pensions are computed. The new bill asks for the number of years one has worked to be divided by 60 instead of 55. It also counts an average of the workers' five (5) highest years of salary rather than the present three (3) highest years. We have worked for many years at relatively low pay, hoping that these pensions would offer some security in our retirement. We need to safeguard them.
WE MUST SHOW OUR STATE LEGISLATORS THAT WE ARE OPPOSED TO THESE CHANGES! Please let your State Senator and Assemblymen know how you feel. If you wish to email them, you can go to http://www.njleg.state.nj.us and find your district and legislators and then send them an email telling them you oppose this Pension Reform Program. Once you access your district, you can send one email that goes to all three legislators in your district.
If you prefer to call or write you individual legislator that will make you voice noticed even more strongly.
Ask your friends and family members to let their voices be heard as well.
Finally, send me an email letting me know you've contacted your legislators, and I'll keep a tally of the number of you who helped to fight for our pensions. ebobrove@verizon.net.
In Solidarity,
Elaine Bobrove, President
Camden County College Chapter of United Adjunct Faculty of New Jersey, Local 2222
*Help us blow our own horn! If you did something noteworthy this past semester, let us know so we can include it in our next newsletter. We know how good we are; tell your colleagues and everyone else! Send your news item by clicking on the "webmaster" link.
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