Hello Dear Colleagues,
Happy June! And happy almost summer! There is little in the world as magical as the rivers, lakes, and beaches of the Pacific Northwest in summertime. I know I’m looking forward to some weekend days soaking up some sunshine by a body of water. I hope you, too, are able to enjoy the great outdoors this summer. At the end of May, FFAP members gathered to enjoy a baseball game on a beautiful evening. The Portland Pickles beat the Gherkins 5-2! There was even an “educator’s parade” through the outfield to celebrate Educator’s Appreciation Night. Look for more opportunities to gather as a community throughout the Summer, and let us know if there’s something fun you’d like to help plan.
At May’s PCC Board meeting students, FFAP & FCE members, and the community packed the board room to demand that the Board halt the administration’s harmful and unnecessary cuts to programs. It was an electric atmosphere that demonstrated the undeniable power PCC programs have to create and sustain real community. I left feeling deeply moved and inspired by the powerful testimony. The meeting was recorded, so if you couldn’t make it, you can check it out here. This is an ongoing fight. Stay tuned for more opportunities to join together in solidarity with our programs, students, and colleagues reeling from the results of the self-study process.
We had our first session of bargaining on May 23. You can read the update here.. The next bargaining date is: Tuesday, June 17 from 10am -12pm. Please come and show your solidarity. Winning a fair contract takes all of us!
See below for upcoming events, news, and actions, including: one of our wonderful colleagues and FFAP organizers winning AFT-Oregon Organizer of the year, an upcoming solidarity social (free pizza for you!), the chance to vote in the Executive Council election open now, and more!
Events
- End of term Solidarity Social Friday, June 6, 5-7pm at Lucky Lab SE patio
Join your union siblings for a slice and great conversation! Pizza on FFAP! Drinks available for purchase.
News and Updates
- Laura Wadlin wins AFT Oregon’s Organizer of the Year!
Your FFAP Lead Steward for PT Faculty, Laura Wadlin recently won Organizer of the Year for our statewide union, AFT Oregon. During the last round of contract negotiations, Laura helped prepare the union for being strike ready. Through this process Laura trained many union members and got them involved in organizing-it takes all of us to win a strong contract and leaders like Laura are essential to increasing involvement and union power. Congratulations Laura! - Contract bargaining over economic issues began last month! Our next bargaining session with the college is scheduled for Tuesday, June 17 from 10am -12pm. Watch your email for details and make sure to show up, either in person or via zoom to show your solidarity!
Actions
- The Federation Nominations and Elections (FNOMNEL) Committee is proud to announce our 2025 candidates. Read the candidate statements on the website here and vote now! You should have received your electronic ballot on Tuesday, May 27. The election will close on Thursday, June 5 at 5:00 p.m. Please make sure you cast your vote! If you haven’t received your ballot, please contact Marianne Stupfel-Wallace at marianne.stupfelwallace@pccffap.org Thank you for keeping our union democracy strong!
Meetings
- Executive Council Meeting
- Friday, June 6, 2-4pm, Climb, 207 and Zoom (all PCCFFAP members are welcome to attend and observe. Only elected Executive Council members can vote. If you have something you’d like to be discussed/ added to the agenda, please contact PCCFFAP President Ben Cushing ben.cushing@pccffap.org)
- Contract Action Team (CAT) Meetings
Wednesday, June 4, 12-1:30 Zoom - Committee Meetings
- Solidarity Committee Monday, June 9, 12-1:30 on zoom.
Please contact Nichole Reding to join: nichole.reding@pccffap.org - Organizing Committee Mondays: June 2, 4 & 30 4:00-5:30 on Zoom
All members are welcome! - Finance Committee Meeting Friday June 27, 9:30-11:00 am on zoom.
The Finance Committee would love to have members join and help us to make strong thoughtful financial decisions for PCCFFAP.
- Solidarity Committee Monday, June 9, 12-1:30 on zoom.
For more information, please email kathleen.janicki@pccffap.org
- Bargaining Advisory Council Meetings
The bargaining advisory councils give space for us to develop shared goals for organizing with our coworkers and bargaining a contract that addresses our issues. Each job class will meet regularly, facilitated by the elected Lead Steward for that group, as well as, the bargaining team member(s) in that group. Any FFAP member is welcome. - FT Faculty Monthly Meeting: First Wednesdays: June 4, 4-5 pm Zoom
- AP Monthly Meeting: First Wednesdays: June 4, 10-11am Zoom
- PT Faculty Meetings TBD. Watch your inbox!
Solidarity (news and upcoming actions)
- “No Kings Day” Protests A National Day of Action
Saturday, June 14 https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/784666/?utm_source=50501
If you’d like to join your colleagues for this event, reach out to David Shultis david.shultis@pccffap.org for more details
- “Fund Oregon Now” Rally with AFT Oregon
Thursday, June 5, 2025 at 11:00 AM, steps of state capital
As Oregonians prepare for continued fallout from Donald Trump’s tariffs, billionaire tax breaks, and cuts to services like Medicaid and food assistance, we’re showing up at the State Capitol to demand our lawmakers step up and pass a budget that keeps people housed, healthy, fed and safe. Please RSVP to register!
For more information about solidarity and to sign up for the solidarity dispatch contact our solidarity officer Nichole Reding nichole.reding@pccffap.org
More Opportunities to get involved
- Join our Contract Action (CAT) team! CAT leaders are a dedicated group of faculty and APs who work to keep everyone informed, connected, and involved in the bargaining process. Pop in to a meeting (below) or learn more and join here.
- Become a Union Steward! Stewards help coworkers solve problems, educate members on their rights, protect members when there is an issue with management and more.
To become a Steward, Contact the Lead Steward who represents your employee class:
PT Faculty: Erik Johnsen erik.johnsen@pccffap.org
FT Faculty: Yvette Rosales yvette.rosales@pccffap.org
APs: Phyllis Petteys phyllis.petteys@pccffap.org
CTE: Jacob Richman jacob.richman@pccffap.org
Check out more ways to get involved here: https://pccffap.org/resources/get-involved/
Connect with us on socials:
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/pccffap.bsky.social
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_pccffap_/
Discord: https://discord.gg/pNSCE7AuDg
If you have announcements you’d like shared in our next newsletter, please email me: shelley.chamberlin@pccffap.org
Until then, take care of yourselves and take care of each other.
In Solidarity,
Shelley Chamberlin
PCC Art Department Faculty
PCCFFAP Part Time Organizer