MEMBERSHIP

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

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1. What does the union actually do?

The State Center Federation of Teachers (SCFT) has served as the exclusive bargaining representative for all full-time and part-time faculty in the State Center Community College District (SCCCD) since 1964. Its role is to negotiate and enforce the faculty contract (CBA) and secure the conditions faculty need to provide the best professional service to students. SCFT is a union of professionals committed to fairness, democracy, economic opportunity, and high-quality public education. For more information, visit [scftunion.org].

 

2. What is the contract (CBA)?

The Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) is the legally binding agreement between faculty and the District. It defines salary schedules, benefits, workload, evaluation procedures, leaves, and other professional rights and protections. The CBAs protect every faculty member, collectively and individually, regardless of union membership or participation. [Click here to view the current CBAs and MOUs on file with SCCCD].

 

3. What is the difference between the union and the Academic Senate?

The Academic Senate focuses on assisting the SCCCD with academic and professional matters (10+1) such as curriculum and shared governance. The union bargains with SCCCD and enforces the collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) to uphold all faculty working conditions and rights of employment.

 

4. What are the union’s current priorities?

Negotiate the Best Contract, Deepen Membership, and Develop New Leadership across all campuses.

 

5. How does the union enforce the contract?

Individual faculty members can file their own grievances. The union supports filing grievances as well and often seeks remedies to resolve issues so they do not escalate. This is both on an individual basis or on behalf of a group of faculty. If state labor law is violated, the union may file an Unfair Labor Practice charge with the Public Employment Relations Board (PERB).

 

6. What should I do if administration asks to meet with me about a problem?

Faculty have [‘Weingarten Rights’]. You can say: “If this meeting could in any way lead to discipline or affect my working conditions, I respectfully request that a union representative be present.” You can request for the meeting date/time/modality be scheduled so that a union rep can accompany you, take notes, and support your rights.

 

7. Where do I learn about my contract rights or file a grievance?

Visit [this website link] to watch the ‘contract rights video’ and download grievance forms. Campus grievance officers and their emails can be found here: [Link].

 

8. Who is negotiating our current CBAs?

The Executive Council appoints a negotiations team. The current team includes Ryen Hirata (FT- Lead Negotiator), Keith Ford (FT- President), Samantha Brookshire (PT- EVP- Council Chairperson), Mark Trezza (FT- Contract Enforcement Officer), Doug Gong (FT- Treasurer), Corinna Lemos (PT- VP of Part‑Time Faculty), and Ashleigh Rocker Greene (Staff- Executive Director/Organizer). The team began bargaining the current contract in December 2024.

 

9. What is happening in negotiations right now?

Negotiations have been ongoing since December 2024. The union has held 15+ faculty meetings to provide updates. [Click this link] to read the most recent update.

 

10. Why should I be a union member?

Strong unions require organized people and organized money. Membership Dues fund negotiations, legal support, contract enforcement, communications, and release time for volunteer faculty leaders. The union receives no funding from the District for the union. Although SCFT currently has 85% membership by all full-time faculty, Membership for part-time faculty has fallen significantly as more PT faculty are hired by the District and not properly oriented into the community. Membership is one way to find community and resources. [Click here to join the union]. For questions about dues, [email Ashleigh].

 

11. What happens if I’m not a member?

The union must represent all faculty in bargaining, but membership determines the strength and resources of the organization. Faculty who are not members of the union cannot vote on changes or ratifications for the CBAs, vote in Executive Council Elections, access the members’ only website, attend professional development workshops or represent SCFT faculty as delegates at State-wide or National Union actions. [Click here to join the union].

 

12. What is a Department Captain?

Department Captains are faculty who help share accurate union information, provide negotiations updates, dispel rumors, counter misinformation by the District, answer common questions, encourage participation, and connect colleagues’ stories and issues with union leadership. [Complete this form if interested in becoming a captain].

 

13. Why does turnout at union meetings matter?

Power comes from organized people acting together. High participation signals unity to the District and strengthens bargaining leverage. Low participation signals division. The next meeting is Friday, April 17, 2026. We Need 400+ to show up at the FCC OAB Auditorium, to vote on taking action on the current contract bargaining agreement. Low turnout= lack of power. High turnout= increased likelihood that the district will agree to faculty terms. [Click here to register to attend the April 17 GMM].

 

 

15. Who do I contact if I have a question?

•Union officers list: [Website Link]

•SCFT Contact page: [Website Link]

•Department Captains.