UNTF stands against state-sponsored anti-Black violence and racism and in solidarity with protestors around the world who seek justice. We also call for action against systemic and structural racism in the U.S. broadly and in our local communities. As teachers, researchers, administrators, and advisors, we are committed to educating ourselves and others about anti-racist pedagogy and self-work and to providing resources for our members and for the larger community to engage in a movement for change. Such change seeks to recognize and celebrate the personhood of each and every member of our local and global communities.
I want each of you to know that UNTF is paying very close attention to the university’s correspondence regarding fall teaching and uncompensated summer professional development related to that fall teaching. We have preliminary plans in place to offer a small amount of money to members who complete summer professional development programs, and we’ll provide more information in the next week or two.
If you have health concerns that might cause you to be at higher risk of complications due to Covid-19, please reach out to your medical team and the RCPD to request a visa. Do that sooner rather than later!
In the meantime, please be in touch with us directly at office@untf.org if you have questions or concerns related to labor, your individual appointment, designation B, etc., or even if you just want to chat about what’s happening, UNTF’s response, etc. We’re here for you.
Please also know that, at this time, we have not been called to bargain. We have a closed contract, which means that any changes to salary, etc., can only occur in collective bargaining. We have no plans to concede the hard-won gains we achieved in 2018.
And, as always, if you’d like to become a member of UNTF, we would love to have you on board. You can find the membership form here.
Stay safe and healthy.
In Solidarity, kb
Dr. Kate Birdsall President, UNTF (AFT Local 1855 / AFL-CIO) https://untf.org/
President Stanley’s message from yesterday is concerning, to be sure. Please know, however, that nothing has been done to change our existing collective bargaining agreement—nor can it be without additional bargaining. So much is uncertain right now—here and everywhere—that it’s hard to say exactly how we will be affected. However, we are working around the clock on what we can do as a union to defend our gains from our last bargaining agreement.
UNTF will continue to work on your behalf. If you have any labor-related concerns, please feel free to reach out. And if you’d like to join, we would love to have you as a member. Our contract is available here: https://untf.files.wordpress.com/2019/04/untf-contract-2018-2022.pdf.
