Dear ACE members,
I have resigned my position on the negotiations team due to my acceptance of a position as a faculty Librarian at De Anza.
This is a bittersweet message for me to write. As I work on wrapping my brain around this transition, I’ve been reflecting on my time as a Classified Professional here. And when I think about what I’ll miss most about it, I keep coming back over and over again to ACE. My Classified position is the first union job I’ve ever had. When we voted to decertify from SEIU and form our own independent union in 2009, I was so excited to get involved. Serving on our Union’s board and negotiations team has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my professional life. I learned so much about the decision-making processes of De Anza and the District, met and collaborated with many wonderful colleagues, and gained a new perspective on collective bargaining and the labor movement. Most importantly, I had the opportunity to participate in the management and direction of the Union and our contract, always with the maximum benefit to our members at the heart of every decision.
I think that sometimes there’s a perception that unions are all about contention and conflict, but that hasn’t been true in my experience. I prefer to frame it as protection instead. ACE protects the rights and interests of our members. Sometimes that requires conflict, but more often it requires collaboration, compromise, and consensus. I’m more patient and a better problem solver now because of my time with ACE.
We are so fortunate to have a strong, independent union. Without it, we wouldn’t have the solid contract that we do, or the leverage to keep improving on it. So much in there is above and beyond what the law requires. But ACE only works because we make it work.
If you have an interest in union work, or are curious about the inner processes of the District and college, or want to do something to support your Classified colleagues, please consider getting involved. Take advantage of that release time! Share your expertise and ideas! Get stoked on the camaraderie! Nurture that spark of enthusiasm, and keep the fires burning.
In solidarity,
Keri
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Many thanks to Keri for being an active member and representative. Our Contract is better off due to contributions from many members like her.
In Service,
Scott Olsen (he/him) | ACE President
https://acefhda.org | scott.olsen@acefhda.org
650-949-7789 | M-F 8:30am-5:00pm