Connecticut community colleges establish separate bargaining unit for adjunct faculty

During a recent Appropriations Committee Public Hearing, discussions centered on the establishment of a separate collective bargaining unit for adjunct faculty at Charter Oak State College. This move aims to address the unique needs and working conditions of these educators, who have historically not received pay increases comparable to their full-time counterparts.

Committee members expressed concerns about the pay increases experienced by similar groups over the past five years, highlighting the importance of benchmarking against other community colleges in Connecticut. The adjunct faculty at Charter Oak will operate under their own bargaining unit, distinct from other faculty groups, which reflects the different nature of their work, primarily conducted online.

The conversation also touched on the benefits that adjunct faculty might receive under this new agreement. Currently, many adjuncts do not qualify for full-time benefits due to their limited teaching hours, typically teaching only one or two classes. The threshold for receiving benefits, such as medical and retirement plans, is set at 20 hours per week. As a result, many adjuncts fall short of this requirement, which has raised questions about their compensation and support.

The committee acknowledged that while adjunct faculty often work in addition to other jobs, the lack of benefits can be a significant barrier. The proposed collective bargaining agreement aims to negotiate better terms for these educators, potentially improving their financial stability and job satisfaction.

As the committee moves forward, the establishment of this separate bargaining unit could pave the way for enhanced support and recognition for adjunct faculty, aligning their compensation and benefits more closely with their contributions to the educational landscape in Connecticut. This initiative reflects a broader commitment to addressing the needs of all educators and ensuring equitable treatment within the state's higher education system.