Q
I have a contract question.
Who do I contact?
Reach out to CRFO President, Michelle Haggerty, or Vice President, Erik Kramer. They should be able to help or point you in the right direction!
How does CRFO represent
part-time faculty?
Q
CRFO represents part-time faculty in the same way it represents full-time faculty: by bargaining on their behalf and providing representation when needed. Both full-time and part-time faculty are covered under the same Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
Q
What should I do if I believe
my contract rights aren't
being honored?
You can reach out to CRFO’s Grievance Officer, Natalia Margulis. You’re also welcome to contact CRFO’s President, Michelle Haggerty, or Vice President, Erik Kramer. If you believe your contractual rights may be at issue, CRFO will review your situation and help determine next steps, including providing guidance and representation in meetings with the District. CRFO is your point of contact for all matters related to wages and working conditions. If, for instance, your concern involves another faculty member, Human Resources is usually the best first stop, as we cannot represent members vs. members. No matter the issue, CRFO will point you in the right direction!
What is a CBA?
Q
The CBA, or Collective Bargaining Agreement, is the faculty contract with the District. It defines employment terms, including wages, benefits, and working conditions, and also addresses many other key aspects of faculty employment. The CBA is renegotiated every three years between CRFO and the District.
Q
What is covered by my union membership dues?
Your dues directly support the work CRFO does to advance faculty rights. They cover the cost of our highly experienced legal counsel, who provides expert guidance in all contractual matters, including grievance and staging lawful job actions (work the contract strike, etc). Dues also fund attendance at statewide conferences, where CRFO leaders collaborate with other unions, share strategies, and bring back insights that strengthen our own negotiations. In addition, dues support day-to-day union operations, ensuring that CRFO can continue to advocate for CR faculty.
How does CRFO decide its bargaining priorities?
Q
CRFO members set bargaining priorities by participating in surveys before formal negotiations begin. Survey results guide negotiators in deciding which contract articles to bring to the table with the District. Beyond formal negotiations cycles, CRFO surveys members throughout the academic year on contract-related issues, depending on need. We also gather input at membership meetings to ensure your voice is heard. In addition, impact negotiations may take place in response to changes in state or federal law when new regulations affect faculty working conditions.
How can I get more involved with CRFO?
Q
Consider running for a Division Rep! Division Reps sit on the CRFO Executive Committee which meets throughout the academic year. Also, make sure to attend CRFO-sponsored discussions, membership meetings, and our regular social mixers. Make your voice heard!
What is outside of CRFO's scope of actions?
Q
CRFO does not advocate for specific programs, courses, campuses, or sites, although it can negotiate the impacts of changes to these areas if they affect faculty working conditions. The union does not advocate on behalf of staff, managers, or students, and it cannot make demands related to administrative structure or dictate budget priorities. CRFO also does not represent faculty on legal issues unrelated to the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) or the Educational Employment Relations Act (EERA). Finally, it cannot enter into agreements that conflict with the Education Code, EERA, Title V, or other applicable laws.
FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS
