Tuesday, August 26, 2014

"Print-In" action by worker & student alliance at San Francisco Art Institute and Mills College


"Newest SEIU 1021 members hold 'print ins' to win support heading into bargaining"
2014-08-26 from the "1021 Newswire":
Adjuncts at the San Francisco Art Institute and Mills College are trying an unusual tactic this week — "print ins" — to gain the support of students, staff and fellow faculty as they head into their first contract negotiations since joining SEIU 1021 this spring.
This Monday, August 25, was the first day of fall semester classes at SFAI. As students entered the courtyard between classes, they were met by visiting faculty members who gave them informational fliers (and snacks) while adjunct professor and printmaker Art Hazelwood offered silkscreened prints of original designs (pictured).
The designs were labor-themed and appealed to viewers to support visiting faculty as they begin to negotiate their first contract with SFAI administration. They invited students, faculty and staff to attend an all-SFAI social on Sept. 10 to discuss campus issues and their hopes for their first contract, and to build connections for a more cohesive academic and artistic community on campus.

Grist for the Mills -
Mills College adjuncts will hold a similar "print in" of their own as students head back to classes on August 27. Mills Action, an organization of students supporting the new adjunct faculty union, will be inviting students to a Sept. 10 "SpeakOut" where all students, faculty and staff are welcome to come discuss their issues and hopes.
There is much to discuss at Mills: Since adjuncts voted to unionize, the administration has made a slew of budget cuts, including heavy staff layoffs and changes to course rules that result in fewer course offerings and larger classes. Mills Action and the adjunct union are protesting these cuts.
The Mills College adjuncts were the first to join SEIU 1021 (in May), by a 78 percent margin. Visiting faculty at SFAI voted to join in June, also with 78 percent. Both of these new chapters have several actions planned for the coming weeks as they get down to work negotiating their first contracts.

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