A Note from Your TCCFT President
Dear Colleagues,
As we move deeper into the academic year, I want to thank you for your unwavering dedication to our students and the mission of Tacoma Community College. Your hard work, creativity, and resilience make a real difference in the lives of our students and the community we serve.
I want to highlight the importance of engagement activities. Participation in committees and engagements not only fulfills contractual obligations but also strengthens our shared governance and helps shape the future of our college. The official list of committees and engagements for the 2024-25 academic year is included with this newsletter. If you are considering activities not included on this list, please consult your dean for approval prior to participation.
For your reference, here is a link to the current 2024-2027 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). Please take some time to review it and familiarize yourself with its contents.
Additionally, I’d like to remind everyone of the importance of strengthening our union. Please talk to your colleagues about the benefits of union membership. If you know someone who is not yet a member but might be interested in joining, please send me their name. Together, we can ensure our union continues to be a strong advocate for faculty rights and needs.
Congratulations and special thanks to Ken Cushman and Jeff Engle for stepping up to run for Treasurer and Vice President, respectively. Your willingness to serve speaks to the spirit of collaboration and leadership that keeps our union thriving.
As always, I encourage open communication and feedback. Feel free to reach out to me via my private email: stacisnyder.tccft@gmail.com. I am here to listen, advocate, and work together toward the goals we share as faculty. Let us continue to support one another and remain committed to the values of solidarity, equity, and excellence.
In solidarity,
Staci
Our Fellow Unions on Campus
Solidarity is key to advancing our interests in the workplace. Whether it’s getting a better contract, winning a grievance, or protecting our rights on a day-to-day basis, the strength that comes from numbers underlies everything we do as organized labor. The same idea holds true beyond TCCFT–all workers on campus can benefit from stronger bonds across unions. If we are all working together in mutual respect, we cannot be pitted against each other by the bosses. The first step in building inter-union solidarity is knowing the other unions on campus.
WFSE (AFSCME Council 28)
Washington Federation of State Employees, a part of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, represents two bargaining units at TCC.
Classified staff: This unit bargains at the state level, so there is one contract covering such staff at all represented CTC campuses. Examples of represented workers include administrative assistants, the folks who work various “front desks,” and lab technicians.
Exempt: This smaller unit bargains directly with TCC management, like we do. Advisors are an example of represented workers in this unit.
WPEA (UFCW Local 365)
Washington Public Employees Association, a local chapter of the United Food and Commercial Workers. This union represents all custodial, grounds, and maintenance workers excluding those classified as supervisors.
New Year, New Dues–Are You in Good Standing?
In accordance with our membership vote, TCCFT instituted a new dues calculation this year. Full-time contracts get 1.2% of gross income deducted each pay period for TCCFT dues. All other contracts, including part-time, moonlighting, and anything else, get 0.6% deducted. Dues, like any other union concern, are a topic of ongoing conversation of the membership.
For most members, this was a seamless transition and you do not need to worry about it. For a small number of members, however, you may need to submit a new payroll deduction form. Check your TCC email for a note from Ken Cushman about this. Alternatively, you can contact Treasurer Ken Cushman (kcushman@tacomacc.edu) or Membership Chair Jonathan Pottle (jonathanpottle@gmail.com) to get a new deduction form submitted.
Brought to You By…
This newsletter is made of pure solidarity and brought to you by your TCCFT Executive Council. Would you like to help with future issues of the newsletter? Contact your Membership Chair Jonathan Pottle: jonathanpottle@gmail.com