Organizing

What is Organizing?

The UC-AFT is a member run union, and as such, we rely heavily on the volunteerism and activism of our members.  While each campus has a field representative assigned to it at least half time, the most effective organizing that takes place within our units is the result of conversations between colleagues.  Organizing is the simple act of sharing information about work related matters within your department, and connecting these issues to the role the union can play in addressing them.  For new hires, or people unfamiliar with the union's activities, this kind of information sharing can be really eye opening.  It's amazing how many of our members still do not understand that a Continuing Appointment is an indefinite contract, rather than the old three-year appointment.   Please take the time to make sure your colleagues know where to find the contract, and how to contact your local steward and field representative.  If you have questions about the union, or our contracts, schedule a meeting with a union rep. and invite your co-workers to come.

The Importance of Joining

As we approach 2010, UC-AFT is beginning preparations for our next round of contract negotiations for lecturers. We are in the midst of negotiations for librarians.  As negotiations approach, we gather information from our members about what's working and what's not, about specific language that needs to be improved, about issues that may not be currently covered by the MOU, etc.  As negotiations begin, our power at the bargaining table is established by the commitment that our units have to affecting the desired change, and the support that our members give to our bargaining team.  In other words, we need high levels of membership and lots of input and support from the people we represent.  Filling out a membership form and joining UC-AFT is a basic, yet crucial step in gaining power at the bargaining table.

Beyond negotiations, all the business of the union is conducted by members.  Participation in local and system wide meetings, the steward program, contract ratification voting, and officer elections are only open to those who have completed a membership form and joined the union.

Your membership and your participation are really important to UC-AFT.  If you need to verify your membership status, contact your local field representative.  Contact information for all local and system wide officers and staff is available under the 'Contact Us' link on the left side menu.

Becoming an Active UC-AFT Member

You don't have to be an activist to be an active UC-AFT member.  Many of our members are active in different ways.  Some, routinely inform new colleagues about the union and ask them to join, others attend membership meetings and update their field representative when something comes up, some members become stewards or run for the executive board, and a special few hold the bullhorn at rallies. A truly active UC-AFT membership will have widespread participation on all of these levels.  Get to know your local's officers and staff, and attend a union meeting to meet some other members.  Your contribution will make a difference.