G IN MEMORIAM Iz Kugler, 1917-2007 Iz Kugler launched union organizing among US college Clarıon professors and helped NEWSPAPER OF THE PROFESSIONAL STAFF CONGRESS / CITY UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2007 found the PSC. PAGE 12 Gary Schoichet UNION CHARTS STRATEGIC DIRECTION MASS MEMBER MOBILIZATION

Above, College Lab Technicians displayed their solidarity at the October 30 salaries, work load and adjunct conditions. On-campus contract actions are mass membership meeting. They were among the nearly one thousand mem- underway and hundreds have pledged their participation. You can sign up bers who rallied behind the union’s multi-contract strategy to improve on page 2. PAGES 2, 3, 6, 7, 11 & 12

MANAGEMENT PAY PRO AND CON CAUSE & EFFECT YOUR RIGHTS Double-digit Hillary Clinton The adjunct Big win on salary hikes for president? labor system evaluations The Board of Trustees smiled In October, the AFT, the How does CUNY’s reliance An arbitrator’s ruling affirms on CUNY’s upper manage- PSC’s parent union, an- on exploited part-timers contract language requiring ment, granting five-figure nounced its endorsement affect the University as an evaluations to consider a salary increases and $5,000 of Hillary Rodham Clinton institution? Academic free- a worker’s total performance. bonuses. The PSC has yet to for president in upcoming dom and research capacity Evaluations cannot be based see a financial offer. PAGE 5 primaries. PAGE 9 are curtailed for all. PAGE 4 on a single factor. PAGE 8

AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF UNIVERSITY PROFESSORS G AMERICAN FEDERATION OF TEACHERS G NATIONAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION G NYC CENTRAL LABOR COUNCIL G NYS AFL-CIO G NEW YORK STATE UNITED TEACHERS 2 NEWS & LETTERS Clarion | November-December 2007

WRITE TO: CLARION/PSC, 61 BROADWAY, 15TH FLOOR, NEW YORK, NY 10006. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR | E-MAIL: [email protected]. FAX: (212) 302-7815. CALENDAR

MONDAY, DECEMBER 3: 1 pm / Retirees Chapter discussion with Clarissa Gilbert Weiss, PSC director of pen- sion and Welfare Fund benefits, on spousal coverage and other benefit issues. In the PSC Union Hall, 61 Getting answers on Fiterman Broadway, 16th floor. Contact Linda Slifkin at (212) 354-1254. G In response to your writer’s ques- any remedial work, the standpipe We all share and are focused on NY and other agencies” – but “rou- tions on the decontamination and system would be “tested and re- the common goals of having Fiter- tinely” is an ambiguous word. Our WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 5: 6 – 8:30 pm/ deconstruction of the damaged paired, (if necessary).” (Emphasis man Hall decontaminated and question asked for a specific date, The PSC will host a book party cel- Fiterman Hall and the construction added). taken down, and building a new fa- and conflicting reports over past in- ebrating the publication of The Man Who Hated Work and Loved Labor: of a new building, we described the At no time has it ever been re- cility as safely and as quickly as spections of the Deutsche Bank The Life and Times of Tony Mazzoc- transparent process undertaken by ported that the standpipe was non- possible. building show the importance of a chi, Les Leopold’s biography of la- the University to keep the commu- functioning. Yet, your writer Michael Arena specific answer. bor health and safety pioneer Tony nity a fully informed partner in this ignored the public record and in- University Director of Communications CUNY deserves credit for a better Mazzocchi. The event is sponsored complex process, including public stead chose to misinform your and Marketing plan and a more open process than by The New York Committee for meetings, website postings, e-mail readers by reporting that the the unfolding disaster at the Occupational Safety and Health alerts and paid newspaper advi- standpipe system had been out of Clarion’s editor responds: The arti- Deutsche Bank site. Our reporting (NYCOSH) and will feature speak- sories. This transparency included service, even after being advised in cle mentioned above can be found at reflected this distinction – but that er Ed Ott, executive director of the the issue of standpipe operations writing that the system is function- www.psc-cuny.org/communica does not mean that no further ques- NYC Central Labor Council. Sug- within the damaged structure. In- al and has been routinely inspected tions.htm, on page 8 of our October tions should be asked. gested donation is $10, Students: $5. deed, our web postings informed by FDNY, among other agencies. 2007 issue. We still want answers, and have In the PSC Union Hall, 61 Broad- the community in Spring 2007 As we move forward, we will con- This letter does not mention that filed a request under New York’s way, 16th floor. Call (212) 227-6440 (months before the tragic fire at the tinue to provide our community in September, one week before we Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) for further info. former Deutsche Bank building) partners with information as it be- went to press, we wrote to Michael to obtain them. that prior to the commencement of comes available. Arena with ten specific questions FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7: 4 pm / Part-time about Fiterman Hall – including a Personnel Committee meeting. At question about the past status of the Recognize CLTs the PSC office, 61 Broadway, 15th floor. Contact Marcia Newfield standpipes. In response, we got a G At the October 30PSC mass at (212) 354-1252 or mnewfield@ statement that did not answer any meeting, CLTs were omitted from How you can help win pscmail.org. of our questions. (The exchange can the analysis of wages and inflation be read in full at www.psc-cuny.org/ and from the speakers’ panel. It FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14: 6 pm / Labor a good contract FitermanQuestions.htm.) was not explained that CLT wage Goes to the Movies shows Ride with This is a recurring problem with statistics were omitted because of the Devil, director Ang Lee’s US CUNY’s communications office – we changes in CLT titles some years Civil War film focusing on two A PSC to-do list ask direct questions which are ig- ago. Providing this explanation young men who choose to defend nored, and get a PR statement in- would have at least shown CLT their homeland, the Confederacy. RIGHT NOW: ✔ help your chapter develop a stead of direct answers. consideration in the process – and Ride with the Devil is a striking ac- ✔ fill out the form below (also avail- newsletter We asked these questions in good if CLT wages had been mentioned, count of the effects of national con- able online, at www.psc-cuny.org/ ✔ collect information about faculty faith, because they deal with serious this could have further supported flict upon divided families and HelpWithContract.htm) and professional staff who have issues on which our members need the PSC’s position. communities. In the PSC Union ✔ wear a button and display a cam- left CUNY in the past five years information. And we believe our re- Our current PSC officers have Hall. For more info, contact Sue Li paign poster on your door (avail- ✔ attend a negotiating session (con- porting was accurate. done more to increase CLT wages at (212) 354-1252 or [email protected]. able from your chapter chair or tact Amanda DeJesus Magalhaes Our article did not state that the than any other PSC officers since No RSVPs. the union office) to sign up, (212) 354-1252 or adeje standpipe system had been out of the Legislative Conference, but they FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14: HEO/CLT Pro- ✔ sign up for the union’s e-mail [email protected]) service. We quoted Paul Stein, a have not been able to ease restric- fessional Development Fund appli- newsletter at www.psc-cuny.org member of the Public Employees tions on CLT promotions. This prob- cations are considered on a rolling ✔ NEXT SEMESTER: contact your chapter chair (see Federation who works across the lem could have been addressed at basis. The next two deadlines ✔ www.psc-cuny.org/chapterdirec attend the next PSC rally with street from Fiterman, who said that the mass meeting when speaking of are December 14 and January 25. tory.htm) to learn the time and your colleagues – maybe plan to in his opinion the CUNY web post- HEO promotions or issues still to be Forms and more information are place of your next chapter meeting attend as a department ing quoted by Arena “strongly sug- accomplished. at www.psc-cuny.org/HeoCltProf ✔ sign up to be a My Five organizer ✔ write letters to the governor and gests” that the standpipes had been Continual PSC omission of CLTs Dev.htm. – and choose five colleagues that mayor and encourage your col- broken. We reported that Stein from public reference seems to im- you’ll help keep informed leagues to do the same raised this question at a communi- ply that the PSC is a faculty-only SUNDAY, DECEMBER 16: Adjunct/ CET ✔ distribute buttons to your col- ✔ participate in strategy seminars ty meeting on August 21 and that union rather than one for all instruc- Professional Development Fund ap- leagues on the Taylor Law the FDNY “inspected the stand- tional staff. The important issue plications are considered on a ✔ start to build a PSC bridge to stu- pipes the next day, and found them which underlies this is one of equity rolling basis. The next two dead- THIS SEMESTER: dents, churches and community to be in working order.” We report- and respect. We cannot expect lines are December 16 and January ✔ participate in an action on your groups interested in strengthen- ed that, “When Clarion asked how CUNY management and faculty in 10. Forms and more information are campus to force management to ing CUNY (contact Nick Cruz at long since September 11, 2001, Fiter- our college departments to treat at www.psc-cuny.org/AdjunctCon withdraw their concessionary de- (212) 354-1252 if you would like to man’s standpipes had been broken, CLTs fairly unless our union in- tinuingEdDev.htm. mands – contact your chapter take part in this effort) CUNY spokesperson Arena de- cludes us as equal partners. chair for details clined to respond.” All of these Ellen P. Steinberg statements are accurate. Vice Chair, CLT Chapter Memorial for Mail to: PSC, 61 Broadway, NY, NY 10006. Or sign up at www.psc-cuny.org/HelpWithContract.htm While our question on the stand- pipes might have been better PSC First Vice President Steve Israel Kugler phrased, we didn’t have a particular London responds: You are correct Sign on & send this in axe to grind. “For no time at all” that CLTs received their largest in- planned would have been a legitimate an- crease ever in the 2000-2002 contract Your name Chapter swer, and we would have been glad negotiated by this leadership (e.g., “Iz Kugler was a lifelong champion to hear it. Instead, Arena replied on- 18% for CLTs on the bottom step of academic freedom, collective bar- E-mail Phone ly that “standpipes in the existing and 13% for CLTs at the top) – and gaining and democracy in the work- structure are functional,” ignoring I agree that more mention of CLT place,” said PSC President Barbara Bowen. “In retirement he remained I will: the question of whether they had issues should have been made at been out of service at some point in the October 30 mass meeting. In two an active unionist, attending rallies, chanting on PSC picket lines, regu- ❑ wear a PSC button ❑ participate in local campus the past. (Even Arena’s letter above rounds of bargaining, CLT promo- larly writing letters to Clarion and, stops short of a categorical state- tional opportunities have been ❑ post information on my door activities to build leverage with generosity and wisdom, pro- ment on this issue.) pushed hard by this leadership and ❑ ❑ attend a negotiating session viding counsel to the union. His attend a chapter meeting A few other points: we continue to do so at the bargain- death saddens us all.” ❑ ❑ speak at a department One of our questions was, “When ing table today. We have demon- The PSC is planning a tribute to write letters to the chancel- was the last FDNY inspection [of strated in action our commitment meeting about the contract Iz Kugler’s life and work. Details lor, mayor or governor Fiterman] prior to the Deutsche to CLTs; be assured that our com- will be announced on the union ❑ talk with colleagues ❑ phone bank colleagues Bank fire?” In September, Arena re- mitment to improving CLTs’ terms website, at www.psc-cuny.org/psc- sponded that the standpipes “have and conditions of employment is currents.htm, or available from Lin- ❑ help with tabling on campus ❑ be a “My Five” organizer been routinely inspected by the FD- still strong. da Slifkin, at (212) 354-1252. – PH Clarion | November-December 2007 NEWS 3 PSC’s multi-contract strategy

By PETER HOGNESS & to promotions for HEOs. Many oth- DANIA RAJENDRA Members voice support at mass meeting er fights will be a critical part of these struggles, she said, but these Union leaders laid out a new, multi- issues will be at the center of union contract strategy to nearly 1,000 strategy. (See the sidebar and page members at the PSC’s October 30 11 for more detail.) mass meeting. The union’s goal, The final part of the program was they said, is to fix CUNY’s most se- dedicated to organizing. PSC Treasur- rious problems – salaries that are er Mike Fabricant, co-chair of the too low, a teaching load that is too Contract Campaign Organizing Com- high and an adjunct labor system mittee, said that an immediate focus that damages the entire University. will be to press CUNY management “It is a hard fight,” said PSC Presi- to take its regressive demands – in- dent Barbara Bowen. “But I believe cluding elimination of salary steps, re- that if we approach it in a way that is moving department chairs from the smart, strategic, unified and unafraid, PSC, and weakening HEO job securi- we have a good chance to win.” ty – off the bargaining table. These de- The crowd’s response was lively mands “have nothing to do with the and loud as members signaled that economic decisions of the City and they were ready to take action. State,” said Bowen – and CUNY could “There was a lot of energy here withdraw them at any time. tonight,” Rebecca Hill of BMCC said after the meeting was over. “People CAMPUS ACTIONS are really committed to the City Local campus actions will be a pri- University of New York, and they ority during the rest of this semes- want to see it do much better for the ter, and PSC Secretary Arthurine students, faculty and staff.” DeSola urged chapters to meet with The first presentation of the college presidents to voice the wide- evening came from PSC First Vice Gary Schoichet spread frustration about these back- President Steve London, on an issue The October 30 mass membership meeting drew nearly 1,000 PSC members. ward demands. Activists noted that that got everyone’s attention. “I am during the last contract fight, pres- here to tell…the story of how our dressing key issues in the current pretend that everything is fine.” clapping, and it was a couple of min- sure on presidents over the Welfare salaries have declined over the past contract fight. (See pages 6 and 7.) Members began laughing, and utes before the room settled down. Fund helped force CUNY manage- 36 years,” London told the quiet Then union President Barbara Bowen responded, “Oh, you recog- Bowen went on to set out the ment to change its stance. crowd. In a series of six slides with Bowen presented the union’s con- nize this approach?” goals of each part of this multi-con- “It was a wonderful meeting,” jagged line graphs, London showed tract strategy. But then she turned serious tract campaign. In Phase II, which said George Brandon, a professor at how the inflation-adjusted value of Bowen described the union’s last again: “Or the third option: we could includes the next contract and pos- CCNY’s Sophie Davis School of Bio- CUNY salaries have nosedived two contracts as “Phase I,” in which decide to fight.” sibly successive ones, she said the Medical Education. “I think people since the 1970s. the PSC had won “advances that PSC will tackle “one and a half of the are going to carry the energy from many of us thought were impossible FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT! three big issues” – salary erosion tonight into tomorrow, going to GASPS for CUNY.” These included in- A voice called out “Yes!” from the and two aspects of the adjunct sys- their campuses. I know I am.” The audience gasped at several creased support for scholarship, back of the hall – and the audience tem, health insurance and job secu- For ideas on what you can do, see points, most loudly when London paid office hours for many adjuncts, burst into applause and started a stac- rity. In Phase III, she said, the union page 2. showed how the bottom step of the equity pay increases and a stabi- cato chant: “Fight! Fight! Fight!” The will prioritize teaching load and eq- –With reporting by assistant professor pay scale has lized Welfare Fund. The gains of crowd was on its feet, chanting and uity in adjunct pay, as well as access Stephanie Horvath. dropped 50% in real dollars over the Phase I came from creativity at the last generation. bargaining table and “the organized “Let’s be honest,” he said. “While force of the membership,” she said. we endure and make the But while the PSC had best of these circumstances Increasing “pushed hard against the The union’s three-phase plan and we do serve our stu- limits of the contractual dents well, we cannot do salaries: settlements offered by At the October 30 mass meeting, ship – 80% pay for sabbaticals; re- cessionary demands to weaken our best work and our stu- an investment the City and State,” she union leaders focused on present- search time for untenured faculty; tenure and increase management dents are not well served in CUNY’s said, it did not signifi- ing the multi-contract strategy for professional development grant control. when our salaries and cantly exceed those the PSC, a plan for winning a trans- funds for adjuncts, HEOs and CLTs. G make measurable progress on working conditions are sub- future bounds. formation in salaries and working G stabilization of the Welfare Fund. restoring CUNY salaries to na- standard.” “We should be proud conditions at CUNY. “Because the G equity increases for CLTs, Lectur- tionally competitive levels. CUNY is now at a critical junc- of what we were able to do togeth- problems we face are structural ers and aHEOs; adjunct office hour G improve recruitment and reten- ture, London argued, “We have be- er,” Bowen told members. “But I al- and have taken 35 years to devel- pay. tion of faculty and staff by providing come less competitive, just as we so want to be honest about what we op,” PSC President Barbara Bowen G other improvements in the ad- paid parental leave. are attempting to hire a whole new did not do.” Those two contracts did told Clarion, “they are best ap- junct system – sustained health in- G address two major aspects of the generation of faculty.” He urged not address what she named as the proached through a strategic, fo- surance, 100 new full-time lines for adjunct system – lack of stable members to take on the fight to re- three most fundamental problems of cused approach that encompasses adjuncts. health insurance (including for store salaries, “so that we may re- CUNY: salary erosion, the adjunct more than one round of bargaining. G reversal of some concessions graduate employees) and lack of job build CUNY as a great university. labor system and an outsized teach- The PSC leadership has decided made in pre-2000 contracts. security for long-time adjuncts. We owe this not only to ourselves, ing load. that the crisis in several areas is so G continue to press on multiple non- but to our students and to the gener- acute that we must address the ma- Not achieved in Phase I: economic and lower-cost economic ations of faculty and professional COSTLY FIXES jor structural issues.” The PSC did not fix the three high- demands. staff to come.” Those problems will be very cost- Below is an outline of that plan; a cost structural problems of CUNY G form union task forces to prepare Members said later that while it ly to fix, she warned – and that more detailed account is presented employment: for future bargaining on teaching was a shock to see the extent of leaves the union with a choice of in Bowen’s column on page 11. G salary erosion. load and HEO promotions. the changes over time, the under- three alternatives. G the adjunct system. lying reality was all too familiar. First, Bowen said, “we could…ac- PHASE I G the teaching load. PHASE III “I know we are totally being cept that fixing CUNY’s larger (2000-2002 and 2002-2007 contracts) Solving these problems will re- Priorities for Phase III: screwed,” said Ruth Hertz, a sci- structural problems is ruled out by Achieved in Phase I: quire more money than is provided G reduce teaching load to a nation- ence professor at BMCC. “But I the small size of the typical contract The PSC fixed several long-standing in the typical settlement. ally competitive level. was brought up union, and I know settlements in the City and State,” problems at CUNY, making incre- G achieve adjunct salary parity. if you get people mobilized how and seek only small, incremental mental progress within the confines PHASE II G improve promotional opportuni- powerful they can be.” progress within those limits. of restricted economic settlements: (2007- ?) ties for HEOs. Members from different campuses Second, she said, “we could lie G dramatic increases in the level of Priorities for Phase II: G continue progress on nationally across CUNY next took the stage, ad- about how well CUNY is doing and support for research and scholar- G reject CUNY management’s con- competitive salaries. 4 NEWS Clarion | November-December 2007 Adjunct labor & CUNY as an institution

By PETER HOGNESS & DANIA RAJENDRA juncts have continued in that tradi- Academic freedom & research capacity are hurt tion, but it’s been a lot harder for them, What does it mean for a university and they’re not being paid to do that.” when a majority of its faculty are Fewer opportunities for collabora- underpaid part-timers with no job tion cost CUNY grant money, added security? The “adjunctification” of Nick Freudenberg, a distinguished CUNY affects the University as an professor at Hunter and director of institution in ways that are not al- its program in urban public health. ways obvious, and Clarion will ex- “Increasingly, biomedical research plore them in a series of articles. We depends on putting together inter- begin with a look at academic free- disciplinary teams of investigators,” dom and the University’s capacity he said. “Those academic institu- for research. tions that have the broadest array of faculty researchers are most suc- Adjuncts’ relationship to the ques- cessful in putting together these tion of academic freedom begins with teams and securing these grants.” one simple fact: CUNY maintains Students lose, too, in this equa- that adjuncts can be let go at the end tion. Fewer tenure-track faculty of a semester for “any reason, or no “hurts students by reducing the reason at all.” Those blunt words number of faculty researchers to came from CUNY General Counsel mentor [them],” said Freudenberg. Frederick Schaffer – and while the Given that CUNY’s large student union fights unfair firings of adjuncts body is mainly students of color, this in many specific cases, it is a fact that has national implications for diversi- part-time faculty and staff at CUNY ty – or the lack of it – in these fields. have no real job security. Less research capacity means that Being subject to termination “at CUNY produces less new knowledge will” leaves adjuncts without any – and one particular consequence is meaningful academic freedom – and less knowledge about New York. “If this undermines academic freedom CUNY increased its commitment to Gregory Nemec in the institution as a whole. hire faculty who do research,” said “Adjuncts are never, ever in a po- it only at the sufferance of their de- ‘I’d love to support you, but I can’t we can challenge it if necessary.” Beveridge, “two things would hap- sition to take risks,” said Glenn Pe- partment chairs. “You’re utterly vul- jeopardize my position.’” What does it mean for CUNY that pen in urban sociology. First, the re- tersen, chair of sociology at Baruch. nerable,” he said. Such incidents can Adjuncts also feel unable to criti- most of its faculty are not paid to do gion would know more about itself. Academic freedom is fundamentally breed caution rather than intellectu- cize college or departmental policy research? One obvious consequence You’d get more information to the based on tenure, Petersen observed al independence. “The real danger is – and not without reason. “Some- is that less research gets done. City and State, to community groups, – it’s why tenure was created. “Yet that people will censor themselves,” times people who criticize the ad- “About 50% of our courses are to the business community.” half our courses are being taught by Leberstein said. “Anyone trying to ministration, suddenly there’s no taught by adjuncts,” said Andy Bev- “Second,” he said, “studies about people who don’t have, and will nev- earn a living might wonder, ‘Should course for them,” said one full-time eridge, chair of the sociology depart- New York would become more im- er have, the kind of freedom we say I alter my argument?’” faculty member at City College. ment at Queens College. “We would portant in the overall image of urban is so fundamental. What does this But part-time faculty find that their “Speaking out against the dean need another 15 or more lines to get to life in America. The New York voice mean for students’ education?” independence in the classroom is or the department chair – I wouldn’t 80% full-time – and it would make a isn’t there in the field as much as it A recent report from the Ameri- compromised in countless do it,” said one long-serv- massive difference.” should be. Some research is certainly can Federation of Teachers (AFT), other ways that have little to Fewer ing adjunct. “People “Assuming we could hire people at going on at CUNY, but not enough.” Academic Freedom in the 21st-Cen- do with political controversy – opportunities won’t say anything about reasonably competitive salaries,” Bev- tury College and University, con- for example, in their assess- class sizes being too big, eridge said, “we’d have a department ADJUNCT SCHOLARS cluded that “removal of many ment of student performance. for research out of fear they won’t get that would be equivalent to most Re- As Markowitz noted, some ad- faculty positions from the tenure One adjunct – who, like collaboration a course next semester.” search 1 universities – the equivalent, juncts do research despite the odds, track and from shared governance most interviewed for this ar- This is another way that say, of the sociology department at and the last PSC contract created an structures” is “the greatest threat to ticle, requested anonymity – recalled lack of academic freedom hurts stu- UCLA. It would mean an incredible in- Adjunct/CET Professional Develop- academic freedom today.” a conflict with a department chair dent interests. And for full-time pro- crease in our research activity, in both ment Fund to support research and about a student’s grade. At the time, fessors gathering support for a quantitative and the more qualitative professional development among CORROSIVE the adjunct had taught in the same policy change, the task is harder if approaches to sociology.” part-time faculty. Grants have “So many of our colleagues are department for more than 20 years. half of their colleagues will always ranged from field research in geolo- contingent, the corrosive effects “My student came to my office and I be silent. LESS TIME gy to an international conference on bode ill for us all,” said Steve Leber- spent an hour with her, reviewing A full solution to this problem, The “adjunctification” of CUNY bilingual education, and the number stein, chair of the PSC’s Academic my extensive comments,” the ad- stated the AFT report, requires the also means less time for research and quality of applications have Freedom Committee and a retired junct told Clarion. The student then restoration of full-time, tenure-track among the full-timers who remain – both been high, PSC staff said. full-timer. went to the department chair – who lines. But that is a long-term project since they must shoulder a larger “We’re proud of these members’ Adjunct faculty members’ inse- pressed the adjunct to reconsider. “I – and the report emphasized that load of department service and oth- research and encourage them to take cure status threatens their indepen- thought to myself, ‘It’s not worth adjuncts need protections now. er obligations. “Administratively, advantage of this union-negotiated dence in the classroom. Leberstein fighting.’ I still thought I was right. In its current contract negotia- everybody within the department opportunity,” PSC President Barbara recalled an incident early in his ca- But because I’m an adjunct, I’m not tions, the PSC has proposed that ad- has to do twice as much work,” than Bowen said. “But imagine how much reer, when he taught part-time at in a position to question a chair juncts with a certain number of they would if the department were research CUNY could produce if Brooklyn College. “One semester, about anything.” years of service should earn a Cer- fully staffed, said Pat Lloyd, an as- most faculty were hired on full-time, when I was teaching an elective tificate of Continuous Employment sistant professor of chemistry at tenure-track lines. Imagine how course about early modern Euro- CAN’T SPEAK (CCE), a job security provision mod- Kingsborough. much richer our department conver- pean history, I was observed by a “I’ve been told I can’t fail any- eled on the CCE now granted to full- Having fewer colleagues who are sations would be. Imagine how much particularly well-known conserva- body,” said one seven-year veteran time lecturers. This would provide active researchers also means few- more our students would learn dur- tive who sharply criticized my use of a different department, where security and protection of academic er opportunities for collaboration. ing their time at CUNY.” of a particular text – Arnold there are almost twice as many part- freedom to adjuncts who have made Gerry Markowitz, a distinguished CUNY’s exploitation of underpaid, Hauser’s The Social History of Art.” time faculty as full-timers. She said long-term commitments to CUNY. professor of history at John Jay, al- insecure adjuncts has changed the In this case, the department chair she expects to fail some students “Having to give reasons for termi- so teaches in an interdisciplinary University dramatically – and not concluded that the criticism was this semester – and lose her job. nation is critical to proving whether studies program. In its early years, for the better. “This is really what’s motivated by political antagonism, This part-timer pointed out that there is a violation of academic free- when its faculty were almost entire- eroding CUNY,” said Beveridge. “It’s and Leberstein was rehired the next the lack of job security also limits ad- dom,” said PSC Vice President for ly full-time, the program gave birth a policy decision with major conse- semester. But even a good outcome juncts’ ability to speak out against Part-time Personnel Marcia Newfield. to many research projects, quences, even if it’s been made im- like this one illustrates the problem. infringements on the academic free- Shirley Rauscher, an adjunct at Markowitz said. plicitly and without any real Academic freedom should be a dom of others, whether part-time or BMCC, agreed. “And the reason given “Today this is much less a part of discussion. It’s CUNY’s dirty little right for all faculty members, Leber- full-time. “My colleague is afraid,” may not be the real reason,” Rausch- the program than it was a generation secret – but it’s not a secret.” stein told Clarion – but adjuncts enjoy she told Clarion. “My colleague says, er added, “so we need due process so ago,” he told Clarion. “Some of the ad- – With reporting by John Tarleton. Clarion | November-December 2007 NEWS 5 CUNY bosses see big raises

By JOHN TARLETON while Lehman College President Ri- more than the annual pay of most Increases of up to $21,000 cardo Fernández saw his salary in- CUNY faculty and staff – as well as Christmas came early for CUNY vice crease $9,405 to $218,405. Raises for free use of a car, for total compensa- chancellors on September 24, when ing conditions of the instructional ceived a $5,000 increase to $180,000. Edison Jackson of Medgar Evers tion of around half a million dollars. the Board of Trustees awarded them staff is not valued performance to High-level staffers at 80th Street ($9,180) and James L. Muyskens of salary increases that ranged as high the chancellor and trustees.” also did well. Many top managers Queens College ($9,767) brought PSC SALARIES DOWN as $21,671 per year. College presi- Among the vice chancellors, Fred- received four-figure raises, with their salaries to $213,180 and $226,803 When adjusted for inflation, the dents also saw their incomes rise, erick Schaffer, senior vice chancellor some increases surpassing $15,000. respectively. real wages of CUNY’s faculty and with most getting raises of around for legal affairs, landed the largest in- Gregory Williams of City College professional staff have declined 40% nine or ten thousand dollars. crease, with his pay jumping $21,000 PRESIDENTS and William Kelly of the CUNY on average since 1971. The pay hikes were announced to $241,000, plus a $5,000 bonus – an Among college presidents, the Graduate Center received raises ten The difference in salaries is not un- just five days after the PSC-CUNY increase of 11.8% for this year. Salary $8,802 raise of Queensborough Com- dollars apart ($8,753 and $8,743, re- common in other industries. The Eco- contract expired. Contract negotia- for Ernesto Malave, vice chancellor munity College President Eduardo spectively) and saw their respective nomic Policy Institute reported in tions have been under way since Feb- for budget and finance, increased by Martí brought his salary to $204,393, salaries increase to $258,826 and September that the top 5% of wage ruary, but as Clarion went to press $21,671 to $212,000 (an 11.4% increase in addition to a $5,000 bonus. York $227,320. Hunter President Jennifer earners saw their salaries grow management had yet to propose any this year), while Executive Vice College President Marcia Keizs got a Raab received almost as much – a faster than everyone else’s, and the increases to the salary scale for Chancellor and Chief Operat- $6,965 increase to $205,965, $8,720 raise for a new salary of average CEO makes 364 times what CUNY’s thousands of faculty and ing Officer Allan Dobrin re- Many $5,000 plus a $5,000 bonus. The $226,720. Increases of $8,325 went to an average worker earns. According professional staff. CUNY officials said ceived a $20,329 increase to bonuses $10,386 boost for John Jay’s Hostos President Dolores Fernán- to Forbes, it takes a minimum wage they cannot make a financial offer $263,664. Iris Weinshall, the Jeremy Travis put his new dez (new salary $193,325) and $8,220 worker a year to earn what an aver- until a pattern emerges in New York new vice chancellor for facili- on top of salary at $218,104, plus a to City Tech President Russell Hot- age CEO makes before he or she eats State’s bargaining with its employee ties planning, received a salaries that $5,000 bonus, while La- zler (new salary $213,712). lunch. CEO pay in general increased unions – but that concern did not pre- $20,000 raise to $210,000. crest $200K Guardia’s Gail Mellow got a In addition, Kingsborough CC 45% over the last ten years. While vent top managers from getting five- Senior Vice Chancellor for $10,350 bump that brought President Regina Peruggi received CUNY executives’ salaries don’t com- figure raises. University Relations Jay Hershen- her to $200,350. Christoph Kimmich of a $6,895 pay raise to $203,895, and pare with those of the titans of Amer- son received an $11,000 raise to Brooklyn College had an increase of Bronx Community College Presi- ican corporations, the difference in 5-FIGURE BOOSTS $231,000 plus a $5,000 bonus, and Ex- $10,080, for a total of $234,080. dent Carolyn G. Williams saw her percentage terms is still stark. For in- “These are said to be ‘perfor- ecutive Vice Chancellor and Univer- Eleven other campus presidents salary increase by $6,828 to $201,922. formation on how faculty and staff mance- based’ increases,” said Bob sity Provost Selma Botman saw her received pay raises of about $8,000 to Management personnel at the col- salaries compare, see the union’s da- Cermele, a member of the PSC Exec- pay jump by $13,166 to $276,501. Vice $11,000. Tomás Morales, named leges also received increases rang- ta and analysis at www.psc-cuny. utive Council and the union’s bar- Chancellor for Student Affairs Gar- president of the College of Staten Is- ing, on average, from $4,000 to $10,000. org/SalaryIssue.htm. gaining team. “But CUNY’s rie Moore received a $12,600 in- land just last June, got a $10,000 in- Chancellor Matthew Goldstein’s performance is achieved through crease to $192,600, as well as a $5,000 crease to $230,000. Baruch President annual salary remains at $395,000; Editor’s note: In the print edition of the efforts of the faculty and staff bonus. Interim Vice Chancellor for Kathleen Waldron received a $10,735 since September 2003 his salary has the Nov./Dec. 2007 Clarion, this arti- who do the real work of the Univer- Faculty and Staff Relations Gloriana raise, for a new total of $249,285. BM- gone up 63%, most recently increas- cle contained some incorrect figures sity – often in spite of, rather than Waters, who is filling the position CC President Antonio Pérez’s $9,004 ing $45,000 in September of last year. as a result of production errors. because of, management. Apparent- vacated by Brenda Malone until a pay raise brought his salary up to The chancellor also receives an an- These have been corrected in the text ly, improving the wages and work- permanent successor is named, re- $204,500, along with a $5,000 bonus, nual housing allowance of $90,000 – above. CSEA deal raises salaries & health costs By BENNETT BAUMER Public Employees Federation (PEF) cessities,” said Floss. Both unions Other state unions still talking and United University Professions warned that an inadequate in- On October 29, the Civil Service (UUP), both working under the crease would leave the State facing Employees Association (CSEA) an- terms of expired contracts. A UUP a shortage of skilled labor. nounced a contract settlement in its statement reported that in the wake PEF represents 57,000 profession- negotiations with New York State. of the CSEA settlement, “the State al, scientific and technical State CSEA is the first union of State appears eager to conclude its con- employees. The State has been workers to reach a settlement in the tract talks with the remaining pub- pressing for changes in their health current round of bargaining. lic employee unions.” care plan’s premium structure, but The CSEA, which represents PEF representatives have said that 70,000 clerical and professional MOMENTUM union members already pay too workers, is the largest union repre- “While we admire the State’s much for health care. senting employees of New York willingness to maintain that “In past years, union ne- State. The four-year deal gives 3% momentum, we want to be UUP, PEF gotiators bit the bullet and annual wage increases in 2007, 2008 sure we get the best contract agreed to necessary changes and 2009, followed by a 4% increase possible by taking as much focus on in health insurance to gain in April 2010. CSEA members with time as needed to achieve downstate control of spiraling inflation at least five years experience will that goal,” said UUP Vice in the program,” said PEF receive “longevity” increases based President for Academics COLA. Vice President and Contract on seniority, ranging from $750 to Fred Floss, the union’s chief Chair Lou Matrazzo. “We $1,500 annually. The salary increas- negotiator. UUP represents more will continue to work with the State es are tempered by some higher Richard Dillard, PEF than 32,000 SUNY faculty and pro- on proposals to further minimize in- health insurance co-payments. UUP VP for Academics Fred Floss spoke at a rally for NYC-area State workers. fessional staff, and Floss asked flation in the program, so long as it them for patience. “A fast contract does not reduce benefits or simply CHALLENGING ROUND The downstate adjustment will in- cially responsible results when bar- is not necessarily a good contract,” shift costs to our members.” “Every round of negotiations is crease from $1,302 annually to $1,850 gaining balances the interests of he noted. challenging and, at times, difficult,” on April 1, 2008 and to $3,026 on Octo- both the State workforce and the On October 30, as the pace of HEALTH CARE said CSEA President Danny Dono- ber 1, 2008. The mid-Hudson adjust- residents of New York State,” Gov- talks picked up, UUP and PEF On November 5, PEF reported that hue. “Our negotiating team has ment will rise from the current $651 to ernor Spitzer said. members held a rally in New York “State negotiators [have] modified worked hard at the bargaining table $1,000 in April 2008, and to $1,513 in CSEA and the State also agreed to City to demand cost-of-living pay their health insurance demands by along with their State counterparts October 2008. (In the last round of bar- fund greater development of safety increases for those based down- removing several onerous propos- to reach an agreement that we can gaining, the PSC demanded a “down- and health training programs and to state. “Our members urgently need als.” A union statement reported that all support.” state differential” but was blocked by establish a pre-tax transportation a cost-of-living increase in their discussion was continuing on both The contract also boosts cost-of-liv- the City and the State.) program to reduce commuting costs. next contract that enables them to sides’ health care demands: “More ing adjustments for members based “This agreement shows that the Two State unions with a close eye keep up with the steadily escalat- work remains, but we are making downstate or in the mid-Hudson area. parties can achieve fair and finan- on the CSEA agreement are the ing costs of housing and other ne- progress in this important area.” 6 MASS MEETING Clarion | November-December 2007 CUNY is not Union members family friendly

KEENA LIPSITZ is an assistant professor of political science at SPEAK O Queens College: Keena Lipsitz of Queens College You might have noticed on the video that I have a seven-month- The point is, if you’re not moved old daughter. She is at home to fight for parental leave by the Job security and tonight with my husband, where human rights argument, if you’re she spent all day today and yester- not moved by the equity and basic day, because he teaches at a uni- fairness argument, then you versity that offers parental leave. should be moved by the recruit- promotions for HEOs So I’m here to make a point about ment and retention argument. How why you should care about can CUNY hire the best and the DONNA GILL is a higher education the right thing for the University. winning parental leave in this brightest when it can’t convince officer assistant (HEO) at Hunter We cannot be nationally competi- contract. potential hires that it’s a family- College and a Cross-Campus Offi- tive and serve our students if we As a new mother and parental friendly place to work? cer on the PSC Executive Council: are overworked, underpaid and COSTAS PANAYOTAKIS, assistant leave activist, I’ve heard a lot of And last, but not least, think under-promoted. professor of social science at City maternity leave horror stories re- about our students. We owe it to I’ve worked at Hunter College for In the HEO ranks, promotion Tech and a PSC delegate: cently. I know a woman them to guarantee that 20 years, in various offices and var- does not exist. In order to be “re- who had to lead a seminar Other they’re going to have the ious capacities – in the bursar’s of- classified,” you have to show that So what’s management up to these 11 days after she gave birth universities same instructor through- fice, the registrar’s office, financial your job has significantly changed days? They want to do away with the because she felt like she out the semester. But the aid. Many HEOs do similar work and become a higher-level position step system for faculty. They want to couldn’t say no to her chair. offer paid way the Family and Med- across the campus. But despite our over the period that you’ve been remove department chairs from the I know another woman who parental ical Leave Act works, they hard work, day in and day out, we there. Despite the fact that mem- union. And they want to weaken job had her child during her have to start the semester only receive job security, which is bers’ jobs have changed a lot over security for Higher Education Offi- first year at CUNY and as a leave – with one instructor and called 13.3b, after eight years. I like the years, especially with in- cers. These demands are unaccept- result was not covered by but CUNY end with another. We owe to call it “pseudo-tenure.” I call it creased use of computers, you still able. These demands add up to a the Family and Medical does not. it to them to provide conti- pseudo-tenure because if you re- cannot get promoted. restructuring of CUNY that increases Leave Act, so she lost her nuity of instruction. ceive three unsatisfactory annual the administration’s power at the ex- insurance when she took leave and So please, if you care about social evaluations you can be terminated, STUCK pense of those of us who do the real had to pay $1,000 per month in CO- justice, if you care about gender eq- even after 20 years. Now, in this Case in point: on certain campus- work that keeps this institution go- BRA payments, on top of not re- uity, if you care about hiring the best round of bargaining, management es we have members who were ing. We have to mobilize on our cam- ceiving a salary, so her family at CUNY and if you care about the wants to weaken this pseudo- hired as an assistant to HEO, and puses so that this does not happen. would have medical insurance. students, tell the administration we tenure and make it easier for them 20 years later they are still an assis- Let’s stand up for our students. Let’s I also know a woman who had need a decent parental leave policy to terminate HEOs. tant to HEO. Their jobs have stand up for the CUNY of our dreams. her baby in the middle of a semes- in this contract. So I believe that CUNY is head- changed, but they’re stuck at the ter and because her chair didn’t ed in the wrong direction. It is the top of their salary scale – and you want to deal with finding adjuncts wrong direction for HEOs – and al- saw the assistant to HEO salary to teach her courses in the middle so for departments, for the college scale in Steve London’s presenta- of the semester, he gave her the and most of all it’s the wrong direc- tion, so you know what kind of whole semester off, which sounds tion for our students. Our students salaries we’re talking about. After like a pretty good deal. depend upon us to stick up for 20 years on the job, and long before them. We work long and hard that, CUNY should recognize their ‘TIME YOUR BABY’ hours, even extra hours, to go the growth with better titles and pro- But I also know another woman extra mile for them. Management motions, to make this a better place in the same division and at the does not want to pay for the extra for the students and for ourselves. same school who actually timed hours we work, so we’ve actually As HEOs, we know that there’s her pregnancy for the beginning of had to take management to court a lot at stake in this round of bar- the summer. How many women just to get paid for our time. gaining. We are behind the union MARCIA NEWFIELD, adjunct lecturer here have been told you should I’m proud to be part of this and the bargaining team 100%. in English at BMCC and PSC vice time your pregnancies? [Laughter] FRANK KIRKLAND, chair of the phi- union, pushing CUNY to do the We are enforcing our contract, president for part-time personnel: Mother Nature’s not so coopera- losophy department at Hunter: right thing, the right thing for us, and we are fighting for a fair con- tive sometimes. But she did, and the right thing for the students and tract settlement. Even though I’ve taught at BMCC for she was finishing up grading when I have served as chairperson of the 20 years I can never be sure that I’ll she was going into labor. And be- philosophy department at Hunter have a job the next semester. Thou- cause she had timed her pregnan- College for ten years. Of course I am sands of adjuncts serving this Uni- cy properly she didn’t get any concerned about CUNY’s demands versity for decades are in the same special deal. to remove chairpersons from our position. We know our departments, So this is the reality of how ma- union. This is not the first time that we know our subjects, we know how ternity leave works in the CUNY management has raised this de- to guide and advise students and we system. It’s unfair, it’s unjust and mand. However, I believe this is the care. I repeat, we care. And that’s it’s just plain behind the times. first time management has been why we stay here working for pover- When I was on the job market, I in- strong and relentless in pursuing it at ty wages, teaching ten courses a terviewed at five schools – and of the bargaining table. The PSC has year for under $30,000 a year. CUNY the five schools, public and private, good reason to be strong in their ef- would not have survived without CUNY was the only one that did not forts to remove this demand from the us…. Job security for adjuncts would offer a semester of paid maternity table. Removing chairpersons from be to everyone’s benefit. It ensures a leave, if not parental leave. Most of the union would [make them] be- more stable department, reduces the the other schools in the New York holden much less to the faculty who burden on chairs and full-time facul- area – Columbia, NYU, the New would elect them than to the superi- ty members, and provides continuity School, Fordham – they all offer ors who would appoint them. for our students. some form of paid parental leave. Donna Gill of Hunter College talks about HEO issues. Clarion | November-December 2007 MASS MEETING 7

s PSC members from different campuses spoke at the October 30 mass meeting about key contract issues; these pages present some of their remarks. News coverage of the mass meeting appears on page 3. If you have a comment on an issue in the current round of bargaining, consider writing a letter to Clarion. (See page 2 for where to send it, and remem- OUT ber our limit is 200 words.) Photos 6 & 7: Gary Schoichet Penny Lewis describes how CUNY discourages its junior faculty. Salaries fall short, and that hurts CUNY

PENNY LEWIS is an instructor in and there are others like him – sociology at Borough of Manhattan feels he can’t afford it. He’s got a Community College and coordina- family, he lives in New York City, tor of the Writing Across the and he needs the money. Curriculum program at BMCC: So because we don’t have the money, junior faculty give up reas- No one I know came to CUNY for signed time. We don’t attend the money. [Laughter] But conferences, we teach the lack of money is driving “We’re summers, we curtail people away. In the three forced or give up ambitious years I’ve taught here full- research, we take on other time I’ve seen literally to make work for pay. We go into dozens of our colleagues choices debt while teaching here, Nancy Thompson, an adjunct lecturer in English at Medgar Evers, makes a point during the October 30 mass meeting. leave, including nearly a like my colleague who is third of the recent hires in that breed just up for tenure who re- my department. cynicism.” cently couldn’t afford to fix The conditions of scarcity her car. Forget your root that send new faculty walking are canal, housing, preschool for your Parity in health benefits for more complex than just those kids. It’s true. salaries and we’re all familiar with their general contours – an unman- EVERYONE LOSES ageable workload, a lack of appre- At CUNY we’re forced to make adjuncts and grad assistants ciation from many administrators, choices that breed cynicism. Stu- and, as some of my BMCC col- dents versus research, research NANCY THOMPSON is an ad- of the wealthiest and most influen- think it is. But honorable people leagues have named them, the versus money, money versus stu- junct lecturer at Medgar Evers tial city in the western hemi- know that greatness will never “petty indignities” that we face dents, family versus everything College and City Tech and has sphere. And yet this same belong to this school until all its everyday. Yet our low salaries put else. Little by little, everyone los- taught English at Medgar Evers administration disrespects the dai- workers are treated with respect. a number on the lack of respect es. So CUNY loses too. Stressed since 1989: ly achievements of the majority of that CUNY management has for out, overworked, underpaid junior their instructional staff – the men NYC INCLUSION us, and act as a tangible block on faculty are not what I would put Brother and sister colleagues, my and women who work as adjuncts That is why in this round of our ability to do our work well – let on a recruiting poster. [Applause] name is Nancy Thompson and I and graduate assistants, the talks the union is demanding the alone live our lives well. We have a revolving door of stu- am proud to represent the ad- American workers who teach and City include eligible part-timers dents, many of whom stick it out, juncts of Medgar Evers College. coach and guide and devel- in the New York City UNAFFORDABLE but, at least at BMCC, most of My CUNY namesake, Medgar Wi- op the skills and talents of “We face Health Benefits Program. Last week I visited another de- whom leave. ley Evers, was martyred during the students we serve. We [Applause] I call on you, partment to encourage people to A non-tenured faculty member the civil rights struggle of the must study for years to retirements brother and sister col- come [to the mass meeting] told our college president at a re- 1960s. He is a venerated ancestor achieve advanced degrees that leagues, to support your tonight, and I talked to a junior fac- cent meeting, “BMCC was not my to people all over this land be- and publish and create new include no union in achieving victo- ulty member whom I’d never met school of last resort. I want to cause he stood for and died for curricula, the same way ry. Write, call, sign the before. He told me that he liked the teach here. I want to be part of equality, dignity and empower- our full-time colleagues do. health care petitions, do whatever idea of reassigned time for junior CUNY. I hope I can afford to stay.” ment for all Americans, the vast We carry the “mother coverage.” you must do to win that faculty research. But the problem Well, many can’t afford it, and majority of whom are people like load” of course work for which is rightfully yours. was that if he took his reassigned morale is a problem for the people ourselves, American workers. this University – and yet how is it Brother and sister colleagues, time, he couldn’t teach an overload who stay. Morale is high when we that we are faced with retire- more than 40 years ago, Medgar that same semester. An overload, can do our work well and when ACHIEVEMENTS DISRESPECTED ments that include no health care Wiley Evers, a man who faced for anyone here who doesn’t know, we’re recognized for it. Brother and sister colleagues, coverage? And how is it that grad- death every day, said to the is an additional class on top of your And basically that’s what we’re our University’s administration uate students who work as ad- world, “You can kill a man, but basic course load. fighting for in this contract. We’re spent tens of thousands of dollars junct instructors receive no you can’t kill an idea.” Parity in We already teach 27 hours at the fighting for the only retention plan on a recent advertising campaign coverage at all? The public Uni- health benefits is an idea whose community colleges, in classes that for students and faculty that which celebrates the achieve- versity of the City of New York time has come. Acting in strength have grown so big they’re often makes sense. Real salary increases ments of a few select faculty, be- deserves to be, indeed must be- and unity we will succeed in mak- filled beyond capacity. The reas- and a long-term commitment to re- cause they want New Yorkers to come, the great institution the ing that idea a reality. My name is signed time that we want should verse decades of underfunding can believe that we are a great school, administration and their Madison Nancy Thompson and I thank you be a blessing for our research and make CUNY a place where faculty worthy of being a public university Avenue spinners want others to for your time. our teaching. But my colleague – and students stay and thrive. 8 NEWS & YOUR RIGHTS Clarion | November-December 2007 Union wins on evaluations By CLARION STAFF Must assess ‘total performance’ In an important win for all members of the PSC-CUNY bargaining unit, in 30 working days of receipt.” “satisfactory when present, unsat- an arbitrator determined last month The case was handled by Charles isfactory when absent.” But the ar- that City College management vio- Schwartz, a grievance counselor at bitrator concluded that in essence lated the contract when it attempt- the PSC central office for the past 21 “it is an evaluation based solely on ed to evaluate a higher education years, and presented at arbitration attendance,” noting that the dean’s associate on the basis of just one fac- by attorney Steven Star. written comments “are devoted ex- tor, instead of overall performance. “The union member who filed this clusively to that topic.” In his October 16 ruling, arbitra- grievance had been inappropriately tor Howard Edelman cited the pro- evaluated by a dean,” Schwartz told ABSENCE AT ISSUE vision of Article 18 of the Clarion. “This was partic- The dean contended that the PSC-CUNY contract, which Arbitrator ularly onerous for this member’s use of annual leave, sick states, “An evaluation of pro- throws out member, as she was leave and floating holidays were ex- fessional activities shall be about to be considered for cessive – even though he had ap- based on total professional a single- her Certificate of Admin- proved all leave time himself. “He performance.” Because the factor istrative Service under even went so far as to fault the mem- single-factor evaluation violat- evaluation. the contract’s Article ber for not returning on time from ed that part of the contract, he 13.3b.” (HEO-series em- California during an epic blizzard in concluded, it must be removed from ployees are granted “13.3.b” after sat- 2006, when New York was buried un- the member’s personnel file. isfactorily completing eight years of der 27 inches of snow and all the continuous service; it is a form of job area’s airports were closed,” said MEANS WHAT IT SAYS security roughly analogous to Schwartz. “He never wanted her to “Once again, an arbitrator has told tenure in the faculty ranks.) take time off –whatever the reason.” management that the contract Schwartz noted that this member London agreed, noting that “the ab- Peter Hogness means what it says,” PSC First Vice had previously received satisfactory sences, while many, were explain- PSC grievance counselor Charles Schwartz President Steve London told Clarion. evaluations in several high-level po- able and contractually allowed.” This case will be important to HEO- sitions at the college. the terms of the Agreement.” fought gains will be worth more series employees and to faculty and Although the evaluation form REMOVED Schwartz told Clarion that the than just the paper they are written CLTs under evaluation for reap- lists 15 items, the arbitrator wrote, In explaining his order for a reme- case is a good example of how con- on is just as important,” Schwartz pointment, promotion and tenure,” the evaluation in this case imper- dy, the arbitrator wrote, “Where eval- tract enforcement is vital to thou- said. “Whenever there is a breach London said. “It will be important for missibly focused on the single issue uations are rendered which violate a sands of union members who may of the contract, CUNY bylaws or them to carefully monitor their annu- of attendance. The dean attempted clause in the labor contract, they must never file a grievance themselves. other terms and conditions of em- al written evaluation memoranda to weave attendance through the be removed from the individual’s per- “Winning a good contract is ployment, it is essential to reassert and seek the union’s advice if they entire fabric of the evaluation, de- sonnel file. Any other result would what we all hope for and work and restore the authority of the con- have any questions or concerns with- scribing the member’s work as serve to ignore and even repudiate for, but ensuring that those hard- tract through the grievance process.” PSC wins RF union vote at Grad Center

By HEATHER APPEL said PSC Organizing Coordinator empt from it in any case. 82% of ballots said ‘yes’ Kian Frederick. “Two years ago, GC The NLRB agreed and in July 2007 After a protracted battle for the right RF workers chose to join the PSC to ruled that CUNY graduate students to decide on union representation, voted for the union. The PSC will be Louis hasn’t had a raise in three address real concerns in their work- who work for the RF do have the Graduate Center (GC) staff who are proud to represent them.” years, while his salary has steadily in- place. The RF delayed the process, right to organize. But management paid by the CUNY Research Founda- More than 5,000 people who work creased. The maintenance on their co- but the issues are still very much challenges to certain ballots meant tion (RF) voted overwhelmingly for on CUNY campuses are paid on RF op has increased by $300 a month, there. Now the workers can come to- an additional three-month delay be- the PSC. Their organizing drive be- lines. They often do work that is sim- while her pay has remained the same. gether to build the power they need to fore the count could proceed. gan four years ago and the election ilar or identical to that of co-workers Ellen Noonan, who has worked on make changes in their working lives.” The stalling by the RF’s Board – was held in 2005 – but due to the RF’s whose paychecks come from CUNY, the American Social History Project After the initial union vote in 2005, chaired by CUNY Chancellor delaying tactics, ballots were not yet they lack the protections of a for the last eight years, said she RF management claimed that about Matthew Goldstein – drew sharp counted for more than two years. union contract. RF employees at the hoped the decision would put RF half of its Graduate Center employ- criticism from the City labor move- On October 4, National Labor Re- Graduate Center told Clarion that employees on par with Graduate ees did not have the right to ment. “It’s disgraceful lations Board (NLRB) officials an- their victory means a lot. Center staff who are paid by CUNY. organize because they were Management that the Research Foun- nounced that the tally was 73 to 16 in Georgina Pierre-Louis is looking also graduate students at delayed the dation and CUNY leader- favor of representation by the PSC. for a union contract that will include PARENTAL LEAVE CUNY. The RF cited a July ship attempted to prevent Research Foundation employees at pay increases and tuition reim- Noonan, who has a PhD from New 2005 decision by the NLRB vote count workers at this great in- the Graduate Center now join those bursement. “I’m planning to go back York University, said she would also which held that graduate as- for more than stitution from becoming at LaGuardia Community College to school for a master’s degree in ed- like to see better parental leave poli- sistants employed by private two years. union members,” wrote and City Tech, who also gave the ucation,” she said. “So if I could get cies, something she struggled with universities cannot unionize NY Civil Service Labor PSC more than 80% support in pre- some help with the tuition, that when she had her children, now five on the grounds that they are not “em- Council President Neal Tepel in the vious union elections. would be great.” and two years old. “That was a very ployees” – because the teaching or weekly newspaper The Chief. “It’s Pierre-Louis does all the adminis- frustrating experience, trying to deal research for which they are paid is totally unacceptable for a public uni- NO SECURITY trative work for the GC’s Howard with them around maternity leave,” simply part of their education. versity to inhibit employees from “It is outrageous that the CUNY Samuels Center, and the program she said. Paid parental leave is a key The PSC responded that the RF’s joining a labor organization.” Research Foundation did every- couldn’t operate without her. But issue in the PSC’s current negotia- argument was illogical on several Meanwhile, RF employees at the thing under the sun to prevent she doesn’t have the job security or tions for a new contract (see page 6). counts. In the past the RF had con- Graduate Center are feeling hopeful their employees’ voices from being benefits of Graduate Center staff Like those at LaGuardia and City vinced the NLRB that it is not a as they look ahead. heard,” said PSC President Barbara who are paid by CUNY, and she Tech, RF employees at the Graduate branch of CUNY, but rather a pri- “I’m very happy, and I’m opti- Bowen. “That just shows why they wants to see that change. Center will now begin negotiations vate institution that is a completely mistic that this is going to go for- need a union. For four years, the RF When she started working for the for their first union contract. Staff at separate legal entity. In addition, ward and will make a better work made sure the ballots were not Howard Samuels Center, she was the RF’s central office have had a PSC the RF grants no degrees of any situation for people who work for even counted. Now the message is earning $7,000 more than her hus- contract since the 1970s. “We know kind. Finally, the NLRB ruling does the Research Foundation,” said Noo- irrefutable: RF employees at the band, a professor at Queens College. that RF workers do better when they not apply to public institutions – so nan. “And I hope they can extend Graduate Center overwhelmingly That’s not the case anymore – Pierre- fight together for a good contract,” CUNY graduate students are ex- this to other campuses.” Clarion | November-December 2007 NEWS 9

PRO & CON The AFT endorsement of Hillary Clinton

Editor’s note: On October 3, the American Federation doing so, based on discussion with the PSC Executive of Teachers (AFT) Executive Council voted to endorse Council. PSC members can read more about the AFT’s Hillary Clinton for president. PSC President Barbara support for Clinton in a members-only section of the Bowen was one of several members who voted against AFT website, at www.aft.org/campaign08/login.htm.

of peace, prosperity and fiscal ratio- nality sound good right now, but it

will help her win states that have Courtesy of AFT The right move been eluding Democrats. Hillary Clinton accepting the AFT’s endorsement Senator Clinton has grown con- By JOHN MOLLENKOPF As a baby-boomer, like a good tinually as a political leader. After about Barack Obama and John Ed- tory more likely in 2008, the coun- CUNY Graduate Center many of us in the PSC, she has winning 55% of the votes in the wards. Senator Obama should have try remains suspicious of both par- asked how our generation can best 2000 Senate election, she built up a bright future in American politics ties. Since moderate, if not fter eight disastrous respond, as individuals and as a na- her suburban and upstate support and John Edwards has raised the conservative, voters predominate years of George Bush, tion, to the characteristic challenges and won reelection by 67%. She key issues of poverty and economic in the states that will decide the we must field the we have faced. A strong woman made a point of working with peo- justice we all care about. In my outcome, this pivotal election is strongest possible who has succeeded in the work- ple across the Senate aisle. After view, however, they lack Senator bound to be close. Republicans will candidate in 2008. Not place, she has held a dual-career September 11, she was instrumen- Clinton’s qualifications, her ability likely coalesce around a candidate Athe most politically correct, not family together under difficult cir- tal in crafting the federal aid pack- to fight the fight that lies ahead, and who distances himself from the the most left, not the most union- cumstances. She has raised a fine age that helped New York City to her broad political appeal. White House and appeals to the oriented, but the one who can win daughter and wants to make sure demonstrate its resilience. She be- broad middle. Republican strate- and govern well. That person is that the options for younger genera- lieves that progressives must gain TOUGHEST gists have shown just how far they Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton – tions are as wide as those we had, support from the center and mod- Democratic losses in most presi- will go to polarize the country to and in endorsing her, the AFT or wider. While the Clinton admin- erate right to govern – and while dential elections of the last genera- win a majority in the Electoral Col- made the right choice. istration had its disappointments, it the left may criticize her for this tion have demonstrated how the lege. To win this crucial election, She is clearly the most qualified. produced the most sustained eco- view, it is exactly what scares the failure of progressives to win presi- we must go with our strongest, Her resume leads from Wellesley nomic expansion since the 1950s, right about her. dential elections can have devas- most experienced, best-funded – College to Yale Law School, the raising real earnings, reducing There is much to recommend the tating consequences. and, if necessary, toughest – candi- Children’s Defense Fund, the House poverty and actually lowering the other Democratic candidates, and While President Bush’s low date. That is Senator Hillary Judiciary Committee staff, first lady federal debt. Not only does a record PSC members will find a lot to like standing makes a Democratic vic- Rodham Clinton. of Arkansas, first woman partner of a major corporate law firm, first la- dy of the United States, and now Until very late in her campaign, senator from New York. Clinton had no health care position On Bill Clinton’s road to the except to say that she had “experi- White House in 1992 and during his The wrong direction ence” – experience which is not re- administration, she faced down and assuring for those committed to prevailed over every imaginable By STEVE LEBERSTEIN & MANNY NESS about her support for the war, as the Democratic presidential can- universal coverage. When unveiled, right-wing assault. She knows how Brooklyn College Clinton responded by suggesting didate is not inevitable. We should her plan showed more concern for to achieve policy change against that “there are others to choose take her suggestion to choose from the interests of health insurance great odds; she has drawn lessons t the October 30 De- from” if her vote authorizing the “the others” seriously. and pharmaceutical companies than from her 1993 experiences with mocratic candidates’ war was “the most important Clinton’s recent campaign over- those of the uninsured. health care reform and other bat- debate, Hillary Clin- thing to any of you.” tures to organized labor are more tles, and today is one of the most ef- ton declared that she Where will Hillary Clinton stand artifice than substance. Her record TRADE TRACK RECORD fective legislators in the Senate. was “against a rush as the war drums beat even louder shows that she is more in tune International trade is also a criti- She is smart, organized and hard- Ato war.” Yet she had voted for the for a strike against Iran? Can we with the neo-liberal interests of big cal issue for labor. While Clinton has driving, but maintains a sense of Senate resolution sponsored by be sure that a President Hillary corporations than with the press- recently criticized CAFTA, she has humor. She surrounds herself with Sens. Joseph Lieberman and John Clinton would tread a diplomatic ing needs of working people. While not distanced herself from NAFTA highly talented people and moti- Kyl, branding part of Iran’s armed road, rather than seek to appear she is a sponsor of the Employee or other “free trade” pacts that have vates them to work together effec- forces, the Revolutionary Guard, a “tough on terror” by unleashing a Free Choice Act, she has not ad- cost thousands of American jobs and tively. And she is as comfortable “terrorist organization,” thereby deadly strike that would under- vanced an overall labor policy, a undermined wages and labor condi- and well received in black churches raising the Bush-Cheney war mine US interest in a stable Middle jobs program or emphasized fight- tions abroad. Clinton’s advisors on as in corporate board rooms. fever another notch or two. East? ing poverty. If elected, how much trade include the executives who This is not an abstract discus- political capital would she really helped draft NAFTA, some of whom PRO-EDUCATION sion. Kyl and Lieberman both favor CONSIDER OTHER CANDIDATES spend to win labor law reform? are associated with the Hamilton Senator Clinton is strongly pro- bombing Iran. In response to Democratic dis- Her cozy relationship with cor- Project, a pro-business Washington education. Her policy proposals Seymour Hersh reports in the cussion of the “war on terror,” porate interests is well known. She think-tank. range from providing universal New Yorker that Vice President Clinton stated her belief that sat on the board of Wal-Mart for Some argue that Clinton would pre-K to increasing the size of Pell Cheney has requested plans for air “…any President should [not] six years. Clinton’s chief strategist, be the most electable of the Demo- Grants and renewing our national strikes against Revolutionary make any blanket statements with Mark Penn, is head of the Burson- cratic candidates next November. commitment to science. She also Guard facilities in Iran. In the respect to the use or non-use of nu- Marsteller PR firm, which has But she has shown a unique ability calls for measures to help us better House, Speaker Nancy Pelosi has clear weapons.” But a US nuclear worked to keep the Cintas laundry to generate extraordinarily high balance work and family life, pro- refused to back the Kyl-Lieberman strike would certainly destabilize chain union-free and more recently negative numbers across the politi- vide affordable health insurance for resolution, saying it would bring and inflame the entire region (in- burnished the tainted reputation of cal spectrum, and she may be all, raise the minimum wage and in- us closer to another war. cluding nuclear-armed Pakistan) – Blackwater USA, implicated in the Democratic candidate most dex it to congressional pay, and Since 2002, Clinton has refused so why won’t Clinton speak out killing dozens of unarmed civilians favored by Republicans. strengthen the ability of unions to to acknowledge that her vote to against the idea? in Iraq. The AFT’s endorsement of Clin- organize. She puts ending the war authorize the war on Iraq was a Despite the AFT’s rush to en- While Penn says he has recused ton is a bad move, especially since it in Iraq and restoring our moral au- mistake. She did not criticize the dorse Hillary Clinton’s presidential himself from the firm’s anti-union was not coupled with any pro-labor thority in world affairs at the top of war itself until public opinion had ambitions, we urge our members work, his presence in a future Clin- policy commitments. In the ap- her agenda. She has made clear swung decisively against it. And to consider what our union and US ton administration would be trou- proaching primaries, we urge PSC that her vote in favor of declaring she has consistently voted to reau- labor in general would gain by sup- bling. “It has the potential to hurt members to consider the candidates Iran’s Revolutionary Guard a ter- thorize funding for a war without porting her in the primaries. Con- her with labor people,” said Bruce on their merits. Neither Clinton’s rorist organization was not an au- end, while the killing and casual- trary to what her campaign would Raynor, head of the union UNITE record nor her currently announced thorization for the use of force. ties continue. When questioned like us to believe, her nomination HERE, of Penn’s Cintas connection. positions warrant our support. 10 OPINION Clarion | November-December 2007

IMMIGRATION Facts getlost inlicensedebate

By JIM PERLSTEIN Security experts and police officials say warned that immigrant advocates were passport remains poorly regulated and rad- PSC Solidarity Committee that we’re better off when all drivers have out to get “the whole enchilada,” while a ically insecure. REAL ID is increasingly verifiable identification based on proof of Republican leaflet upstate featured a photo controversial – 17 states have declared n September 21, when the residency. If another driver dents your fend- of men wearing turbans, charging that their opposition, due to both cost and priva- governor restored access to a er, or a police officer pulls a car over, it’s bet- Spitzer wanted to hand out driver’s licens- cy concerns. But New York is now slated to driver’s license to all New ter if the driver has identification that shows es to terrorists. be the national guinea pig for REAL ID. Yorkers who could prove iden- who they really are. It is better for all of us Meanwhile the governor quietly entered tity and residence, regardless when immigrants are out of the shadows, into discussion with Homeland Security ONE LICENSE FOR ALL ofO immigration status, all New Yorkers willing to report a crime or serve as a wit- Secretary Michael Chertoff, and on October Meanwhile undocumented immigrants in gained. On October 27, when the governor ness instead of avoiding all contact with 27 they announced a deal. In return for New York would be stuck with a license and the federal Department of Homeland police because they’re afraid. withholding an assault on Spitzer, Home- stamped “Not valid for federal purposes” – Security announced a revision of that poli- Governor Spitzer saw it this way and land Security demanded and got a commit- a document that marks them, de facto, as cy, all New Yorkers lost. We are, in fact, called a halt to former Governor Pataki’s ment from the governor to: “other.” Rather than display an identity worse off than when we started. suspension of the licenses of thousands of 1. Drop the idea of one license for all, and card that invites trouble any time they in- immigrants. Pataki’s policy was a piece of replace it with a three-tier license plan. teract with a government agency, they will OUT OF THE SHADOWS political grandstanding that served his This would include a “super license” for retreat back into the shadows. Up to a million undocumented immi- short-lived presidential bid. In contrast, citizens and documented immigrants, com- So we’re back where we started – and grants live in New York State. They drive Spitzer’s move was a practical, evidence- pliant with yet-to-be-specified federal iden- you can expect insurance rates and acci- to work, to shop, to take children to school, based response to the daily realities of im- tification requirements under the 2005 dents to rise. We still need one license for to visit the doctor. They’ll drive whether migration in the absence of federal reform federal REAL ID Act. This “super license” all, and it will require both persistence and New York licenses them or not. of our broken immigration system. There would be required to board an airplane, en- patience to win it. It is better for auto safety if immigrants were a number of editorials in both upstate ter a federal building and for a potentially Meanwhile, the Spitzer/Chertoff “com- have taken a road test, an eye test, and an and downstate newspapers. endless list of future purposes; and promise” threatens all New Yorkers. It has exam that proves that they know the rules 2. Allow the data collected from individu- no friends on either side of the immigration of the road. No license means no auto insur- CRITICS & THEIR CODE WORDS als applying for NYS licenses to be merged reform debate. Worst of all, it undercuts ance – and that drives up insurance rates No one anticipated the scale of the back- with a national database accessible to the growing nationwide opposition to REAL ID for the rest of us. Evidence from New Mexi- lash. A toxic combination of inadequate in- federal government. – its unfunded mandates, bureaucratic bur- co shows that both accident rates and in- formation, understandable security dens and threats to privacy. It dampens ris- surance rates go down when access to a anxieties, xenophobia and political oppor- INTERNAL PASSPORT? ing alarm about the national security state, driver’s license does not depend on immi- tunism generated a firestorm of criticism As the number of instances requiring a where anyone is a suspect and everyone is gration status. for the governor’s initiative. State Republi- “super license” for identification multiply, tracked. Denying licenses to the undocumented cans did all they could to fan fear and re- more and more of those eligible will get REAL ID is vague, costly and administra- has nothing to do with national security. sentment, hoping to exploit the issue to one, despite increased cost and inconve- tively unworkable. We urgently need to Those September 11 hijackers who had US avoid an electoral wipeout in 2008. nience. The REAL ID Act would create an inform ourselves about it and thoroughly driver’s licenses were in the country legally Racial code words and images soon char- internal passport, the first of its kind in our discuss its implications for privacy in when they obtained them. For that reason acterized the debate. A State senator history. And access to the data on that the era of the surveillance state. New and others, the September 11 Commission York should not rush to adopt Bush’s inter- did not consider driver’s licenses to be a na- nal passport plan without a thorough tional security issue. The looming threat of Bush’s ‘REAL ID’ debate.

POETRY BY TINA CHANG from: Of God & Strangers

Part I Part III

God had taken to dreaming again, something mythic or fatal. He was wild Love is scripted, the definitions of which are scrawled on secret ballots with the need to have liquor. He filled a glass with spirits and lit the surface on fire. and placed by hands into slots, in a country where people are voting. Raw and intoxicated, He knelt in front of His wide window and prayed. The boxes are stuffed, overflowing with various shapes and sizes of paper, The stars were so close and He felt merely a man in handwriting that is curled, illegible, smudged. The papers magnified as many times as the soul would allow. reveal something important about love, though the answers remain unknown. The boxes are never emptied, the votes never counted, the people sit waiting outside of buildings for answers and consensus, He looked at his ancient texts and felt neither blissful nor brilliant. Insomniac, He threatened, while the day slips in a shade of black, then blacker. sang a little, tapped out a tune which rumbled a plain in Northern India.

In another dream, the word Love is painted in crude letters, red and dripping, On His twenty seventh drink He made an imprint of a dark angel in the snow. on the side of a missile. The missile is launched and Love travels through the cosmos, In His most sensual gesture, He touched His left hand with His right and made a blade. He cut down, piercing sound, flying over peasant farms and worked fields, past the front yard of a boy made a being that was born with a mouth ready to drink poison, with a thirst who is digging in the dirt. The boy looks up once to marvel at some distant flicker. for the unsayable. The moments melted into a paper cup or sea. Love crashes down, with boom, hiss, ferociously tumbling its body, The man watched the movement of water, lanterns riding on belief. spreading its affection in flame and splinter and bone.

He would believe farther. He would need cigarettes, feel his lungs giving out as if he had run across the hemisphere, stopped in an unnamed desert, where one fish struggled Tina Chang, author of Half-Lit Houses, teaches at Hunter College and Sarah Lawrence in an evaporated pond, one eye wide and pleading and he would lay down, College. She co-edited Language for a New Century: Contemporary Poetry from the put his eye to the fish’s eye and drink the last of the water. Middle East, Asia, and Beyond (forthcoming, W.W. Norton, 2008). Clarion | November-December 2007 OPINION 11

THE CONTRACT FIGHT A new strategy

By BARBARA BOWEN to the point where we must decide whether surance for eligible adjuncts and graduate PSC President that is enough. Faced with the growing employees in this round of bargaining. structural problems of salary erosion, abuse The fight for adjuncts is everyone’s fight. This issue’s column is adapted from my of adjunct labor and excessive workloads, If you hear no other message tonight, I ask speech at the mass meeting on October 30. the PSC has three options: continue to make you to hear that the scandalous system of Full text of the speech is available on the incremental progress but leave the major adjunct labor hurts every single person in PSC website, at www.psc-cuny.org/BBowen structural problems unsolved; pretend that this room. Not only does the system of Oct30th07.htm. everything at CUNY is wonderful (the man- cheap labor diminish the moral stature of agement approach); or fight back and risk a the University and deprive our students of struggle for fundamental change. the access to faculty that is essential to he question before us tonight is The PSC leadership has decided to fight. their education, it helps to depress the what we aim to achieve in this The executive council looked hard at how salaries and working conditions of full- contract and how we plan to much progress we would and would not be timers. The adjunct issue is not an adjunct achieve it. That is not just a tech- able to make within the kind of contracts issue; it’s a structural problem, and until nical or a logistical question, it is now being settled by the City and the State. we organize unapologetically to solve it, we Tnecessarily a political one. Contracts at the current rate, around 3-3.5% will be unable to make dramatic progress To answer that question, I want to offer a a year, simply do not provide enough money on salaries and working conditions for all. new approach, one that is not seen often to undo years of salary erosion, the system Because CUNY management has intro- enough among American unions: a multi- of adjunct labor or an unreasonable teach- duced a series of concessionary demands contract strategy. The declining conditions ing load. The standard settlement might just for increased management control – such we all experience at CUNY – inadequate allow us to maintain our current eroded as removing department chairs from the salaries, lack of basic supports, unreason- salary levels and current degraded condi- union – Phase II must also include forcing able workloads and the abusive adjunct sys- tions; it would not allow progress. But the those demands off the table. And naming tem – did not develop in the space of one point of being in a union is to change the sta- strategic priorities does not mean that we contract; they took 35 years to create. The tus quo for working people, not to accept it. give up on the array of non-economic and union will be in the strongest position to re- lower-cost demands still on the table. We verse those conditions if we think strategi- PHASES II AND III will continue to press hard for these, and in Gary Schoichet cally and think in terms of more than one It will not be easy to crack any one of fact have begun to make progress on sever- PSC President Barbara Bowen contract at a time. these three structural problems – each of al of them. which would take more money to solve has happened to CUNY salaries and why PHASE I than was in our entire last contract. To NEXT STEPS everyone who cares about education and I would ask you to see the last two con- attempt something this big we have to be This is a necessary agenda, but – in these the future of this City has a stake in seeing tracts, the 2000-2002 contract and the 2002- strategic, and we have to be united. The reactionary times – an ambitious one. How them made nationally competitive. Gover- 2007 contract, as Phase I of an agenda to union leadership has made the strategic de- will the PSC succeed? That question will be nor Spitzer’s Commission on Higher Educa- transform and reclaim the City University of cision to target one-and-a-half of the three answered in this meeting tonight and in the tion is poised to release its report in New York. big issues in Phase II of the multi-contract weeks to come, but there are reasons for December. We will time our public cam- Phase I fixed several long-standing prob- strategy: salary erosion and certain aspects confidence. paign for that strategic moment. lems at CUNY and brought to the University of the adjunct system. Phase III will ad- First, we have to be at least as organized Fifth, we will aim our campaign strategi- provisions such as well-supported sabbati- dress the teaching load, additional adjunct and strategic as those who oppose us. The cally at the different locations of power, cals and research time for untenured faculty compensation, and the need for promotion- PSC strategy is an attempt to think beyond working with and, where necessary, con- that had been seen as unaffordable luxuries al opportunities for HEOs. the short-term, where unions are often fronting CUNY management, the City and at CUNY. But Phase I was a conceptual and Our priorities for Phase II – the current trapped, but also within the long-term, the State. ideological victory as well as a political one: contract and possibly the succeeding one – where progressive movements must set Sixth, we will not fight alone. There is a we defeated the unspoken premise, ulti- are restoring all salaries to nationally com- their sights. vast constituency of potential supporters for mately rooted in racism and contempt for petitive levels and reversing the lack of job Second, we are not powerless and we CUNY, starting with our students and their our students, that certain standard condi- security and stable health insurance for ad- must use the power we have. We occupy an communities. That power has yet to be mo- tions of an academic workplace were “too juncts. CUNY salary steps have lost ap- influential position within the city. Forty-six bilized, and when it is, we will have an un- good” for CUNY. proximately 40% of their real-dollar value percent of all college students in New York stoppable force to demand the university The Phase I contracts, however, despite since 1971; our salaries are now at a crisis City are students at CUNY. they need. the advances they made, did not succeed in point. The University is increasingly un- Third, the PSC has a growing track record fixing what I see as the three major structur- able to keep or attract top-quality faculty of success that signals to others and to our- BIGGER THAN OURSELVES al problems of CUNY employment: 1) salary and staff with salaries so far below nation- selves that we can win. The victory this Last, we are fighting for something bigger erosion; 2) the adjunct system; and 3) the ally competitive levels. Half the faculty are summer on pension equity legislation than our own salaries and our own working teaching load. now adjuncts, and even adjuncts who have showed that the PSC can make gains even conditions, important as they are. We are There are many other issues that cost taught at CUNY for 20 years have no job se- against the prevailing political trends. fighting for the future of an institution that money and need to be fixed, but these three curity or stable health insurance. Graduate Fourth, the moment is right. Starting has one of the most progressive pasts in this are at a different level of magnitude, in both employees have no health insurance at all. tonight, the PSC is launching a public cam- country. We are fighting for each individual their effect on the institution and their cost. We must gain employer-provided health in- paign to inform New Yorkers about what student whose life we have seen trans- While I would not say that we have come formed by CUNY. We are fighting for the to the end of what can be done by the ap- principle that education is not a privilege or proach of Phase I, I would say we have come Looking both forward and back even a right, but a need – a fundamental, defining human endeavor from which no one should be excluded. And we are fighting for an alternative to the greedy, destructive Clarion NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2007 culture that is more interested in sending Newspaper of the Professional Staff Congress/City University of New York, collective bargaining representative of the CUNY instructional staff. Vol. 36, No. 8. PSC/CUNY is affiliated with the American Association our students to war than in educating them, of University Professors, National Education Association, the American Federation of Teachers (Local 2334), AFL-CIO, the New York City Central Labor Council, and New York State United Teachers. Published that tolerates the intolerable – like nooses by PSC/CUNY, 61 Broadway, 15th floor, New York, NY 10006. Telephone: (212) 354-1252. Website: www.psc-cuny.org. E-mail: [email protected]. All opinions expressed in these pages are not necessarily hung from schoolyard trees or sent to those of the PSC. PSC OFFICERS: Barbara Bowen, President; Steven London, First Vice President; Arthurine DeSola, Secretary; Michael Fabricant, Treasurer; Stanley Aronowitz, Jonathan Buchsbaum, Lorraine Cohen, John African-American professors – and that Pittman, Nancy Romer, University-wide Officers; Robert Cermele, Vice President, Senior Colleges; Kathleen Barker, Marilyn Neimark, Alex Vitale, Senior College Officers; Anne Friedman, Vice President, would roll back the gains of a hundred years Community Colleges; Jacob Appleman, Lizette Colón, Susan O’Malley, Community College Officers; Iris DeLutro, Vice President, Cross Campus Units; Donna Veronica Gill, Steven Trimboli, Vera Weekes, of progressive struggle. Cross Campus Officers; Marcia Newfield, Vice President, Part-Time Personnel; Susan DiRaimo, David Hatchett, Diane Menna, Part-Time College Officers; Peter Jonas, James Perlstein, Retiree Officers; Irwin H. Polishook, President Emeritus; Peter I Hoberman, Vice President Emeritus, Cross Campus Units. It’s a hard fight. But I believe that if we STAFF: Deborah Bell, Executive Director; Faye H. Alladin, Coordinator, Financial Services; Dorothee Benz, Coordinator, Communications; Debra L. Bergen, Director, Contract Administration & University-wide approach it in a way that is smart, strategic, Grievance Officer; Nick Cruz, Coordinator of Organizing; Kian Frederick, Coordinator of Organizing; Barbara Gabriel, Coordinator, Office Services and Human Resources; Kate Pfordresher, Coordinator, unified and unafraid, we have a good chance Research & Public Policy; Diana Rosato, Coordinator, Membership Department; Clarissa Gilbert Weiss, Director, Pension and Welfare Benefits. Editor: Peter Hogness / Associate Editor: Dania Rajendra / Designer: Margarita Aguilar / Proofreader: Nicole Lisa / Intern: Stephanie Horvath to win. It’s a project worthy of us; let’s do it © 2007 Professional Staff Congress/CUNY together. 12 NEWS Clarion | November-December 2007

After the Taylor Law of 1967 al- lowed for collective bargaining in public institutions in New York, Iz made an even more determined bid Israel Kugler, 1917-2007 to organize at CUNY. His efforts met strong opposition from man- agement and competition from an- By IRWIN YELLOWITZ other faculty organization, the PSC Retirees Chapter Pioneer of unionism in higher education Legislative Conference, headed by Belle Zeller. Israel Kugler, who died on October The rivalry between the organi- 1, was a pioneer, a visionary and an zations led to two collective bar- activist. Iz, as he was known to gaining units and contracts in 1969. everyone, believed in academic In 1972, the UFCT and Legislative unionism when few others did. He Conference merged to form the argued that faculty and profession- Professional Staff Congress. Belle al staff should be in one union to Zeller became president and Iz was maximize their bargaining power. the deputy president. The major He believed that this union should difference between the two groups be affiliated with the labor move- had been Iz’s insistence that an aca- ment and should not only serve the demic union had to be part of the needs and interests of its members larger labor movement. Iz achieved through collective bargaining, but this objective, as the new PSC also work to achieve social justice in rapidly became an influential local the nation at large. in the AFT. Iz was always an active leader who could rally support from many CONTINUED ACTIVISM sources, and he had the intelligence This power sharing arrangement and drive to carry through on his between Kugler and Zeller never program. You could disagree with worked, and in 1973 Iz challenged Iz, but not ignore him. Belle Zeller for the presidency. He Iz Kugler’s parents were immi- lost in a very close election. In 1976, grants from Russia who strongly Dan Miller. PSC Photo Collection, Wagner Labor Archives, NYU. Iz once more ran for president of supported the Jewish labor move- Iz Kugler, left, with Belle Zeller on a picket line at Brooklyn College. the PSC against Irwin Polishook, ment, including the fraternal group and again he was unsuccessful. He the Workmen’s Circle. It was a per- demanding the reinstatement of and the president’s operation of the can Federation of Teachers granted then disbanded his caucus, and de- sonal fulfillment for Iz to be elected Morris Schappes, who had been college with scant consultation from a charter for a separate union that spite his personal disappointment president of the Workmen’s Circle fired from the faculty at City College the faculty and professional staff. would organize in higher education. at not achieving the presidency of from 1980 to 1984. As a child, Iz because of his support of the Com- The common wisdom was that edu- Iz led United Federation of College the PSC, urged his supporters to accepted the democratic socialism munist Party. Thus Iz’s life-long de- cators would not join a union, con- Teachers (UFCT), which became ac- join the majority caucus to of the Jewish labor movement, fense of academic freedom began in sidered suitable only for tive in both public and pri- strengthen the union. The merger but he also drew from the larger so- his student days. blue-collar workers. Iz ab- Iz was an vate sectors. During the of the two caucuses was a success, ciety. By the time he was a teenag- The political views developed in solutely rejected this con- 1960s, Iz organized unions and it created a unified leadership er, Iz had joined the Young People’s his youth also undergirded Iz’s com- tention, and he was to prove organizer and negotiated contracts at for the PSC that helped win several Socialist League, an affiliate of the mitment to social justice. One exam- the conventional wisdom from his the Fashion Institute of excellent contracts in the 1980s. American Socialist Party. ple was his support of the civil wrong for higher education Technology, the Merchant Iz retired in 1980, but continued to rights movement, both within the la- just as the United Federation youth to the Marine Academy, Pratt In- support the PSC up to his last day. CCNY GRAD bor movement and in the larger of Teachers debunked it in end of his stitute and Westchester He wrote forceful letters to Clarion, Iz entered City College in the community. In the mid-1950s, after the public schools. Community College. Clear- made major contributions to the Re- midst of the Great Depression of the he became a leader in the American By 1956, Iz not only had days. ly the naysayers about tirees Chapter’s Program Commit- 1930s and graduated in 1938. His par- Federation of Teachers (AFT), Iz de- organized a union at his col- unionism in higher educa- tee, and as late as 2004 took part in a ents sacrificed to keep him in col- manded that the union suspend lege, but achieved notable gains in tion had to reconsider. union protest at CUNY Central. lege – even a free one – despite the southern locals that did not allow salaries and teaching load as well In 1966, Iz and the UFCT also led Iz was one of the founders of privations wrought by the Depres- African Americans to join – and the as achieving statutory tenure for a strike at St. John’s University unionism in American higher edu- sion. During his years at City Col- AFT adopted this policy. its faculty. In the process, the union over the firing of 31 faculty who cation, and today’s academic lege, Iz participated actively in the broke the paternalistic, top-down wanted to form a union. He mount- unions serve as a living memorial vibrant political debates of the day, ORGANIZER culture of the college. Faculty and ed a vigorous campaign in support to the work of Iz Kugler. often carried on from the alcoves of After serving in the Navy for four staff now were participants in their of the strikers, including picket the college cafeteria. Despite the bit- years during World War II, Iz began professional lives through their lines at the campus, rallies and Irwin Yellowitz, who had been a ter disputes Iz had with students teaching in 1948 at a predecessor of union. national publicity. Although the member of the UFCT, served as PSC who supported the Communist Par- the New York City College of Tech- To gain strength, Iz’s union strike was lost in l967, the wide- Vice President for Senior Colleges ty, he joined with other activists nology. He immediately began to or- moved into the Teachers’ Guild, a spread attention it gained aided from 1973 to 1984 and as PSC Trea- from the Young People’s Socialist ganize a union to combat the poor predecessor of the United Federa- organizing elsewhere in higher surer from 1984 to 1997. The PSC is League in a sit-down demonstration salaries and working conditions, tion of Teachers. In 1963, the Ameri- education. planning a memorial; see page 2.

Professional Staff Congress/CUNY NonProfit Org. 61 Broadway, 15th Floor U.S. Postage New York, New York 10006 PAID 15–MINUTE ACTIVIST New York, N.Y. Permit No. 8049 Sign up for a fair contract Take a minute to fill out the management hears our argu- short form on page 2 or online at ments at the bargaining table www.psc-cuny.org/HelpWith when they feel pressure from our Contract.htm and pledge your actions outside the room. participation in the fight for a So, take a few more minutes fair contract! Contributing is as to talk to your colleagues about easy as wearing a PSC button or the campaign. Raise awareness taping a campaign poster to your on campus by talking about the wall. The power of the PSC de- issues, attending a chapter pends on the widest possible meeting and sending in the form membership participation – and on page 2.