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	Vol.7, No 35, October 28, 1999
	Faculty unions help all employees As CFA members, we would like to correct some misperceptions in Our View of 10/19, "Lame Union Fee." First, the California Senate Bill 645, The Fair Share bill does exactly what the name states: that is, it requires (not the loaded "forces") faculty to pay their fair share of the costs incurred by the California Faculty Association for work it does on their behalf, namely, representing their interests. The faculty who choose not to join the union, do not pay "dues" as the writer states, but a fair share fee, which is a percentage of the dues. The editorial contains its own rebuttal when it states: "The union would be supported by its members. Yes, the union represents all faculty ... But it should represent only the faculty who join the union ... (those) who do not join the union should not be represented.  It is as simple as that." It is NOT as simple as that. The fact that the Higher Education Employer/Employee Relations Act, HEERA, by law requires the Faculty Association to represent ALL faculty. It is called "the duty of fair representation," as for example in the current recognition of the need to reduce class size and teaching load. Imagine what would happen if the union bargained only for members. Only 38 percent of the faculty would have salary, benefits, class size protections, and representation in cases of unfair treatment.  62 percent would have to negotiate on their own, individually. That's like saying that the workers in this country as a whole who do not belong to a union -- the vast majority -- should give back paid vacations, sick leave, pension and insurance plans, Social Security, the 8-hour day, and the weekend. Some of these workers' rights were won and bargained for by labor unions over the years and are currently under attack. -- Martin Fiebert, psychology professor, member of the California Faculty Association		Volunteer service stressed at fair   Students bring life to 'Day of the Dead' on campus   Chemical alarms officials   CSULB science professors awarded research grant   Nursing department to take over O.C. clinic   CSULB mentors help create difference   L.B. teacher inspires students, wins award   Long Beach Airport to offer flights to Las Vegas Gray strikes out   Faculty unions help all employees   Deaf drivers should not lose privilege to drive Alumna creates old-style treats   Scary tales drift through campus   Video picks feature 'Halloween'   Movie pleases despite problems Volleyball team welcomes foes behind orange curtain   Runners hope to advance past conference finals   One coach's loss creates another's opportunity   Soccer team's last hurrah Fall 99 ISSUES DAILY 49ER HOMEPAGE
Forty-Niner Publications, Department of Journalism, California State University, Long Beach ©1999 All rights reserved.