President's Message - Paul F.McGee
One election IS over. The results of the MSCA re-run election, as certified by American Arbitration Association, the MSCA Elections Committee, and the MSCA Board of Directors are as follows:

Total ballots mailed: 2,002
Total votes cast: 1,189
Votes not counted: 22
Total votes counted: 1,167 Results:
Patricia Markunas 680
William Murphy 475
Blank 2
Void 0
Write-in 10

 

Pat will take office on December 8th . Having worked closely with Pat over the last couple of years, I have full confidence that she has the vision and ability to move this union forward. I know all of you join me in wishing Pat heartfelt congratulations as she assumes the daunting responsibilities of statewide President.

Additional Statewide Changes: At the December 1st MSCA Board of Directors meeting Bernie McMahon resigned as statewide Treasurer and Gail Price resigned as statewide Secretary. The Constitution of the MSCA requires that when a vacancy occurs in any office by reason of resignation the position should be filled for the unexpired portion of the term within one calendar month of notice of such vacancy. Unless the Delegate Assembly shall be convened within the said calendar month, the Board of Directors shall fill the vacancy. A motion was made to receive nominations from the full membership and to fill the vacancy at the next MSCA Board of Directors meeting on December 29th. The motion was defeated. Gail Price and Jerry Concannon were nominated and elected to fill the positions of Treasurer and Secretary respectively.

Last year's Payraise: The governor has forwarded the bill to fund last year's payraises to the House Ways and Means committee. No problems are anticipated in the legislature but it is still unclear when the monies will be in our paychecks.

Bargaining update: Both sides met on November 21st, 22nd, and 27th. After many hours of bargaining there was some movement in the post-tenure review language. Termination and leave without pay have been removed from management's proposal and the standard has changed to satisfactory/unsatisfactory. The proposal still gives the vice presidents the power to eliminate pay increases for our members for many years. This issue along with merit increases, distance learning and intellectual property rights, and other issues will be addressed at the next bargaining sessions tentatively scheduled for December 11th and 13th. As always we will keep you informed.

Secretarial Change: Kathleen Ell, secretary for the local chapter has resigned and will be moving to the statewide President's office, as secretary for Pat Markunas. Kathleen was a tremendous help to me as I assumed the local presidency last May. I know the many members who she has helped over the last three years wish her well as she assumes her new responsibilities.

Nominations Open for Dean of the Graduate School Search Committee
Five (5) unit members are needed to serve on the Search Committee for Dean of the Graduate School. Dean Kilson retires on July 1, 2001. If you are interested in serving on this committee please submitted your name to the union office by December 15th. Please call x6366, write, or email msca.salemstate.edu.

Legislative News
In response to mailings from Bridgewater State College to all Massachusetts State Senators and Representatives regarding the salary study of Massachusetts State College faculty as compared to peer institutions, Senator Richard Moore has drafted the following resolution for the 2001-2002 legislature session:

Resolution authorizing and directing the Board of Higher Education to support State College Faculty and Librarian salary schedules equivalent to peer institutions

RESOLVED, That for the purpose of promoting the public good, and to insure high quality instruction and support services at the several state colleges, the Board of Higher Education is hereby authorized and directed to base collective bargaining agreements with state college faculty and professional librarians on achieving and maintaining equivalency with salary schedules for faculty and professional librarians with similar credentials at peer institutions as identified by the Board of Higher Education. The benefits provided by this resolve shall be incorporated in any collective bargaining agreements submitted to the General Court for appropriation.

Representative Barney Frank has also agreed to circulate among members of Congress a letter supporting our effort to receive a fair and equitable contract. Representative Frank feels that it would be beneficial if other members of Congress have heard about our situation and for us to seek their support.

The Salem Chapter will contact our local representatives at the federal and state level. All members are encouraged to contact their state representatives and encourage them to support Senator Moore's resolution.

Committee Vacancies
Linda Lettko (CHE) has resigned from the Curriculum Committee, Area A and from the College Bookstore Committee. Nominations to fill the position on the Curriculum Committee are open to full time unit members from Area A, excluding GLS, CSC, and BIO who are not on a leave of absence this academic year and who are not serving on another contract committee. The College Bookstore Committee is open to all unit members except for those on a leave of absence. These appointments will take place at the next regular meeting of the Salem Chapter/MSCA Executive Committee (early next semester) and nominations will be accepted up to noon of that day.