From the President...

I’m glad you’ve taken the time to visit our website! I hope you’ll take a look around and read about all of the benefits of joining AFTCOM. Membership is open to all full and part time employees of College of the Mainland. I joined AFTCOM because I am passionate about the college and all of the good that it does for our students and the community at large. COM has some of the most dedicated and hard working employees anywhere and it’s important that their voice is heard. AFTCOM, alongside the Texas and National AFT, works to do just that. We accomplish this by organizing employees, reaching out to the community, collaborating with the administration and board of trustees, and organizing local election campaigns. AFTCOM can, and has, made a difference for all employees.
 
I’m a member of AFTCOM because sitting on the sidelines isn’t an option. When employees are treated fairly they’re happy and  stay motivated to excel each and every day. It’s hard for even the most dedicated person to stay motivated when they don’t feel valued and lack the voice to express their concerns. I believe that it’s not just in our own interest to speak up, but that it is our responsibility to do so. Every employee has ideas on how we can make COM a better place, but if we don’t speak up that positive change won’t take place. Speaking up can be hard, but as a member of AFTCOM I can look to my coworkers and know that there is a group of people standing ready to support me. Doing the right thing is hard, but we owe it to our coworkers, our community, and most importantly to our students.
 
I hope that you’ll signup today! You can email AFTCOM16@gmail.com with questions or ask one of your coworkers in AFTCOM for more information.
 
I’m a member of AFTCOM because I believe in respect and fair treatment for all. I’m proud to stand besides others who support those ideals and I hope you’ll join the cause!
 
Sincerely,
Sean Skipworth
Assistant Professor of Government, College of the Mainland
President, AFTCOM Organizing Committee

Join College of the Mainland AFT

Discover the rewards of belonging to a union of professionals working together to improve higher education locally and at the state and national level. Click on the link below to join!

16-17 AFT COM Online Membership Application 

Additional benefits of becoming an AFT member

By becoming a member, you also automatically are a member of our state affiliate--Texas AFT, with 65,000 members statewide--and our national affiliate, The American Federation of Teachers (1.6 million strong).

Other Texas Higher Education Local Unionsmediumoncampus

Resources

 

Welcome Back!

The Federation would like to extend well wishes to our membership as we return to the school today.  Have a fantastic 2017-2018 school year!

Layoff Update

Layoffs in excess of 400 employees were recently announced at the Department of Developmental Services (DDS).  The layoffs are largely the result of an agency decision to privatize 20 group homes.  This continues the agency’s trend toward privatization, with nearly two-thirds of state-run group homes to be privatized.  No A&R titles have been impacted by the DDS layoffs thus far.  The expectation is that there will be some level of impact to A&R, but DDS has not informed us of any A&R positions that will be impacted by layoff.  We are monitoring the situation and remain cautious

Labor Must Take on Capital

Unions must expand beyond narrow bargaining to challenge those who hold wealth and power at the highest levels. by Saqib Bhatti & Stephen Lerner (READ...)

Rowland Settlement Update

The Rowland settlement consists of two basic components, (1) Emotional Distress/Punitive Damages and (2) Economic Damages.  By now, everyone should have received the emotional distress/punitive damage award in the form of vacation days and/or personal days.  We are aware that most members have not yet received an offer to settle the Economic Damages portion of the award.  The Economic Damages payments are forthcoming, but have been delayed due to the complexity of processing them.  Members will be compensated for delayed payments by receiving 5% simple interest when their award is paid.

AAFMCC’s Expanded Tuition Reimbursement Program (TRP)

AAFMCC recently reached a “Letter of Agreement” with MCC regarding the union’s Tuition Reimbursement Program (TRP).  While members will still be partially reimbursed for classes taken here at MCC they can now also be partially reimbursed for classes taken at any four year accredited institution in the United States.  Details of the program can be viewed in the easy-view chart below.  E-mail Jeff Kass at aafmccvp@gmail.com with any questions.

In Solidarity,
AAFMCC Executive Board

Baseless Rumors Regarding Top Step Bonuses

At the negotiations table the union has proposed reasonable wage increases, increments, and the payment of top step bonuses in each year of our successor contract.  Wages, increments, and top step bonuses are among our highest priorities.  Negotiations are ongoing, with the outcome yet to be determined.  Any settlement reached between the State and the Union needs the approval of the membership.  Absent a settlement, the successor contract will be determined via arbitration award.  We are well positioned for either scenario.

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