Sometimes it helps to see the big picture. This post explains a bit about PATFA and the University of Maine System and how they relate to each other – and how that affects you.
PATFA is the bargaining agent for all 2,000 or so part-time faculty members in the University of Maine System. The System is made up of seven constituent universities: University of Maine, University of Maine at Fort Kent, University of Maine at Presque Isle, University of Maine at Farmington, University of Maine at Augusta, University of Southern Maine, and the University of Maine at Machias (although UMM now has a closer relationship with UM).
1. PATFA is Local 4593 of the American Federation of Teachers, a labor union. The System has a Board of Trustees, a Chancellor, and the seven constituent universities. “The Board and the Union agree that disputes which may arise between them shall be settled without resort to strike or lockout and that the requirements of law in this regard will not be violated. The Board agrees it will not lockout any or all unit members during the term of this [contract]. The Union agrees on behalf of itself and unit members that there shall be no strikes, slow-downs or interference with the normal operation of the University during the term of this [contract].” That’s Article 26. It’s important.
2. If you are a part-time faculty member, you may choose membership in PATFA or payment to an adjunct faculty development fund. Dues are withheld in October and November paychecks for Fall semester, and in February and March paychecks for Spring semester. Membership dues are $70.30 per semester (withheld as $35.15 in October, November, February and March). The development fund withholdings are the same as for membership. The contract covers all part-time faculty, no matter which fee you pay.
3. PATFA members may vote at Annual Meeting and may apply for PATFA and AFT professional development and scholarship funds. They receive some AFT discounts and are covered by AFT occupational liability insurance as well as a $5,000 accidental death and dismemberment policy.
4. PATFA has no staff members, but as Local 4593 it helps support a full-time negotiator and problem-solver for the American Federation of Teachers, based in Augusta. Federal law covers much of what a union local must do, including management of its money and conduct of its elections. Its four officers – president, vice president, treasurer, and secretary – are elected by PATFA members for two-year terms. PATFA conducts an Annual Meeting (usually in May a week or so after the universities' spring commencement exercises).
5. So how do PATFA and the System communicate? First, PATFA’s officers and the System’s Human Resources staff frequently speak with each other, by email, telephone, or in person. But each adjunct has the right to contact HR directly at any time about any matter. The contract contains language that allows the System and/or the union to request more formal meetings to discuss specific issues – but not to discuss specific grievances. (Those are handled separately).
6. In the 60 days before the 2017-19 contract expires, the System and PATFA can formally request to begin collective bargaining toward a new agreement. That will happen next in the summer of 2019. PATFA’s representatives (appointed by the PATFA president) will meet in a room with the System’s labor relations officials, set terms for discussion and begin bargaining.
And thus will a 2019-21 contract emerge!
REMEMBER: This post is from PATFA, not Human Resources. Each part-time faculty member receives a “contract” from the provost that offers specific course work and specific pay. That is a contract. But the “PATFA contract” is also a legally binding document that affects you and the University of Maine System. (And don’t let anybody at one of the seven System universities say, “Well, we don’t do it that way here.” The PATFA contract is binding on all seven universities.)
From your PATFA Executive Council: Michele Cheung, USM, president; Jim Seymour, UMA, vice president; Pam Mitchel, UMF, treasurer; and Tom McCord, UMA, secretary.
Website: http://patfa.me.aft.org/
PATFA office: 311 Belfast Hall, UMA Bangor, 85 Texas Ave., Bangor, ME 04401-4340.
PATFA office phone: (207) 262-7971 (checked weekdays).
Facebook: PATFA@aftmaine
Email: patfa@maine.edu