Ferris Non-Tenure Track Faculty Organization, FNTFO
Local 6528
General Membership Meeting minutes, Wednesday April 12, 2023
Members present: Diane Jackson, Cynthia Milligan, Beth Miller, Denise Cosper, Mary Bacon, Marina Pavletic, Justin Vance, Cameron Shoemaker, Aimee Miller, Anna Rizzo, Erika Roberts, Sarah Lucas, Mel Dane
Zoom members present: Linda Sherwood, Bernadette Swinkanus
Guests: Dr. Sonya Alvarado, AFT Michigan rep
Meeting called to order at 6:18 pm by president Diane Jackson. Some issues with Zoom link.
Motion to approve minutes of Jan. 25, 2023 meeting by Mary Bacon, seconded by Sarah Lucas. Minutes approved.
President’s report- Diane Jackson
Focusing on building the union. Robert’s Rules will be used during meeting. Focusing on building the membership of the union, one new card signed. Priorities of the union- a community to grow with events like Cheers with Peers end of semester event.
Strategic planning for bargaining has been created.
Vice-President’s report- Denise Cosper
Contract maintenance meetings are occurring regularly with Associate Provost Steve Reifert and director of labor relations Michael Garrity. Fall 2023 contract letter dates for level 3 (May 1) and level 2 (July 1) should be met this year (hopefully). Grievances over course capacities (caps) were fixed during contract maintenance meetings. Dr. Pink is supportive of our unit and basically said “we need to continue things we are doing and keep him in the loop”.
Secretary report- Linda Sherwood
Linda does not plan to run for reelection, so her position on Executive Board is open. Think about nominating yourself!
Professional Development monies are still available. About $26,000, a larger amount due to roll over from previous years, but this rollover ends soon so spend some money.
Treasurer report- Cynthia Milligan
Balance in account is $145,578.64. Thinking about investing some of the money. Contacted AFT Michigan to get suggestions on how much to invest and where to invest monies. CD’s were suggested, with staggered dates. More details to come in fall 2023 meeting.
In new business we will we voting on stipend for the data officer.
Data officer-Beth Miller
Writing center is 100% (five members) signed up to be dues paying members. Digital membership cards are still coming. The plan is to have PDF card copies on the FNTFO website.
Grievance officer- Sarah Lucas
Online course capacity (caps) update. Applies to Spring 2022, summer 2022, and fall 2022. FNTFO got “me too” language for pay, which is to take your original online course cap, multiple by 20%. If you add more students than the new course cap, you qualify for overload pay. The list of members who qualify for this overload is being checked for accuracy. This is a true win for our union as this language is not in our contract at all.
FMLA and HR- return to work language is very particular (HR is being picky). Talk with your doctor to get language to return to work.
Diane Jackson updated members on the bargaining strategic plan. Handouts were distributed. First focus is on how each member can contribute to this plan. Do backwards planning so we are ready to negotiate and get a contract before our current contract expires June 30, 2025.
New business
Voting on data officer stipend. The amount will be $500 from FNTFO and $500 from AFT Michigan. Motion made by Mary Bacon, seconded by Justin Vance. Motion passed.
Justin Vance read a moving statement about the writing center consultants, what they do, and how they are benefiting from union membership.
Motion to adjourn meeting by Diane Jackson, second by Mary Bacon. Meeting adjourned at 7:24 pm.
Respectfully submitted by Mary Bacon.
These minutes will be approved at the next meeting.