Putting Students First

On Tuesday, January 7, 2014, American Federation of Teachers, Local 1904 at Montclair State University hosted a pizza party for students who live on campus and didn’t go home during the winter break. At the party, faculty, professional staff and librarians provided 20 pizzas and distributed 100 care packages to students in the multi-purpose room in The Machuga Heights. This year representatives from the Health Promotions Department were also on hand to give out goodies and information on how to live a healthy life to students.

“For a variety of reasons, some students remain on campus during the winter break. Sometimes it's too costly go to go home, some are student athletes who stay and continue to train and compete with their teams, and for others the University is the place they call home,” says Alexander Sperling, Chair of AFT Local 1904’s Community Outreach Committee.  Mr. Sperling explained, “Our members wanted to do something for these students to show them our support and to continue our tradition of making campus a welcoming place.”

Union members paid for the care packages for students: a plastic shoe box that contained things such as: playing cards, UNO cards, Sudoko books, cocoa, Cup-a-Soup, granola bars and other snacks, tissues, gum, and AFT-branded items such as Post-it notes, pencils, pens, and luggage tags. “It‘s our hope that these packages will brighten the time students spend on campus during the intersession,” said Rich Wolfson, President of AFT Local 1904.

The students were grateful for the support from the Union and many were unaware that the faculty, professional staff, and librarians who work on campus are unionized employees. Students were also excited to learn about the $500 scholarships that AFT Local 1904 funds every year. Dr. Wolfson said, “AFT Local 1904 is committed to supporting our students in every way possible.”

Union Plus Scholarship Available

The 2014 Union Plus Scholarship application is now available. The application deadline is Friday, January 31, 2014 at 12 pm (noon). 

Eligibility: Current and retired members of unions participating in any Union Plus program (which AFT does), their spouses and their dependent children (as defined by IRS regulations). Grandchildren are not eligible unless a legal dependent (as defined by IRS regulations). At least one year of continuous union membership by the applicant, applicant's spouse or parent (if applicant is a dependent). The one year membership minimum must be satisfied by May 31, 2014. 

  

Scholarship Award Amounts:  Amounts range from $500 to $4,000.  These one-time cash awards are for study beginning in the fall of 2014.  Students may re-apply each year.

Application Requirements: 1) A letter of recommendation, 2) two essays - one about the applicant's goals, aspirations and community service, and the other about the applicant's relationship with the union and the labor movement, and 3) the applicant's union information, which should include the information stated below. 

AFT Local 1904

Montclair State University

One Normal Ave., CO 314A

Montclair, NJ 07042

973-655-4453

President: Richard Wolfson

Office Manager: Linda Turano

If you or a family member applies for this scholarship, please be sure to let the Local know by sending us an email @ union@mail.montclair.edu.

Statement to the Board of Trustees

On Friday, December 20, 2013, Rich Wolfson, President of AFT Local 1904, addressed the Board of Trustees regarding the personnel actions on the agenda. He extended congratulations to the 21 faculty members who were approved for tenure, and the 71 professional staff members  who were reappointed, many with multi-year contracts. 

However, his statement at this meeting focused on Action Item 6 which called for a vote to refer the detenuring of a tenured full professor to the Office of Administrative Law as a contested case for a hearing. He informed the board that the Local is vigorously representing this faculty member as it is the Local's duty to ensure that our procedures, our contract, and the law, regarding the detenuring of a tenured faculty member, are followed and applied fairly. His entire statement can be read by clicking here.  

Supporting Students Over Winter Break

On January 7, 2014 at 1 p.m. AFT Local 1904 is hosting a pizza party for students residing on campus during the Winter Break in Machuga Heights' multi-purpose room. At the pizza party, Care Packages will be distributed to the students.

The Local will be collecting donations to pay for the Care Packages and the suggested amount is $10. Donations can be dropped off at the Local's office in College Hall, Room 314A. Contributions need to be received by Friday, January 3rd. Call the Local's office to arrange a time to drop off your donation at ext. 4453. 

Volunteers are needed to help host the party and assemble the Care Packages. If you are interested in volunteering, contact the Local's office and let us know either by phone at ext. 4453 or via email at union@mail.montclair.edu.