Association of Classified Employees Foothill – De Anza

Author: ACE

  • President’s Message: Constitution, Article 1 – Name, Purpose and Objectives

    ACE Members,

    During times of uncertainty it can be reassuring to know that there are support structures we can depend on to have our backs. ACE is committed in service of our purpose and focused on our objectives outlined within our Constitution (LINK):

    Article 1 – Name, Purpose and Objectives
    1.1 Name
    Foothill-De Anza Association of Classified Employees (ACE) is the name of this employee organization.

    1.2 Purpose
    The purpose of ACE is to represent its members who are classified employees in Unit 1 employed by Foothill-De Anza Community College District (District) pursuant to the Educational Employment Relations Act, commencing with Section 3540 of the Government Code (EERA).

    1.3 Objectives of ACE
    The objectives of ACE shall be to improve the wages, work hours and working conditions of its members, to promote active participation of its members in the decision-making processes of ACE and District; to promote the economic, intellectual and social welfare of its members; and to represent them in all disputes with their employer.

    As a result of National and State elections I can’t immediately predict the challenges to public higher education, the District, or collective bargaining, but I know our independent labor organization will respond and continue to represent members. We continue to receive excellent legal advice from the Booth Law Group, which has helps anticipate labor law changes. Our Negotiations Team is highly effective at improving our Agreement, which provides benefits beyond Ed Code. Members can feel confident that we will continue to deliver on objectives.

    We’re still here. We’re still operating with a purpose.

    In Solidarity,

    Scott Olsen (he/him) | ACE President
    https://acefhda.org | scott.olsen@acefhda.org  
    650-949-7789 | M-F 8:00am-5:00pm

  • 1.07% COLA, COLA w/Retro in October Paystubs, Dues Forgiveness

    ACE Members,

    Thank you to our colleagues for working on implementation of the negotiated 1.07% COLA. Thank you to the District administration for prioritizing timely payment of wages. From September our regular pay for October increased by 1.07% and we all should have received retroactive payment (COLA w/R) for months worked since July 1st, 2024 (July, August, September).

    Let me know if you have any questions about your most recent paystub. The COLA increased line items that make up your regular pay (Per Lv, SL-EE, Holiday, Vacation, Comp Tk, etc.) but not special compensation (LG Award, PG Award, Weekend Pay, Bilingual Pay, etc.).

    Reminder: The ACE Executive Board voted to approve dues forgiveness for October and November.

    Always check your paystub. ACE is here if you experience an overpayment or underpayment.

    In Solidarity,

    Scott Olsen (he/him) | ACE President
    https://acefhda.org | scott.olsen@acefhda.org  
    650-949-7789 | M-F 8:00am-5:00pm

  • 2024.10.24 Update – Election Results, Negotiator Open Position, COVID Teleworking/Paid Leave, Upcoming Trainings: PGA, SDL, Reclass

    ACE Members,

    Elections Results & Negotiator at Large Open Appointment
    Thank you to @Shawna Santiago for operating the election. Results were sent Monday at 8am and we’re all looking forward to getting things done.

    • New Executive Board Members begin their terms on Jan 1, 2025.
    • New Negotiatiors begin their terms on Nov 1, 2024.

    We have a vacancy for a Negotiator at Large position. This negotiator seat can be filled by any member.
    Please submit a statement of interest to @Scott Olsen by Oct 30th if you would like to serve on the negotiations team.

    Return to In-Person Work MOU (LINK)
    If you or your child are sick with covid and able to work:

    1. Stay Home & get tested for covid.
    2. Ask about teleworking (remote work) in writing:
      • If you are approved, you can work from home.
      • If you are denied, you can receive paid administrative leave.
    3. If you are too sick to work, use you would use your accrued sick leave.

    Reminder: Sick leave cannot be denied for treatment or preventative care.
    If your manager/supervisor asks you to cancel your medical appointment or requests a doctor note for using leave, contact @Scott Olsen .

    Upcoming Trainings/Events

    • Oct 31st Scary Forms Drop-In Event at De Anza
      • Bring a partially complete form or a completely empty one downloaded from our website (LINK). Ask questions, eat pizza, costumes encouraged (optional).
      • In-Person event.
      • Details are on Outlook calendar’s for De Anza and Central Services ACE members.

        Want to help plan festivities? Contact @Lidia Burlanescu .

    • Nov 5th Site Meeting Topic: Staff Development Leave
      • Have you been with the District for 7 consecutive years or has it been 7 years since your last SDL? You’re likely eligible to take up to 10 months of leave at 85% pay for retraining. Attend the site meeting to learn more.
      • See 10.10 Staff Development Leave under our Agreement for contract language (LINK).
      • Expect additional training sessions on the topic. Applications are due by December 15th,2024; however, all signatures must be received by January 31st, 2025.
      • Hybrid event.
      • Details are on ACE member’s Outlook calendars.

    • Nov 7th Reclassification Training
      • Conducted by Anthony Booth of the Booth Law Group. Anthony has been a part of multiple classification studies at community colleges and assisted members in submitting a clear message that merits a higher classification.
      • ACE members will takeaway best practices for filing a successful position description questionnaire (PDQ) along with a better understanding of the process.
      • Note: This training was moved from Wednesday to Thursday. Zoom link TBA.
      • Details are on ACE member’s Outlook calendars.

    In Solidarity,

    Scott Olsen (he/him) | ACE President
    https://acefhda.org | scott.olsen@acefhda.org  
    650-949-7789 | M-F 8:00am-5:00pm