Answers to often-asked questions about the new contract. We’ll continue to update this page as more questions are asked and new information becomes available. To ask a question not found on this list, click here e-mail Dania Rajendra.
 
Many provisions of the new contract are now in effect, while others will be implemented over the next few months.

“When will we get our raises and retroactive pay?”

The PSC has received word from CUNY management that retroactive pay and new salary rates will be reflected in paychecks for senior college employees on November 6, and for community college employees on November 14.  The union pressed CUNY to expedite the payments, and CUNY worked with the City and State to achieve a quicker turnaround than usual. We will provide further details as they become available; check with your college’s Human Resources Office if you have questions. 

“How much will I make now?”

The new salary schedules are posted here.

I need help reading the salary schedule. What do I do?

Here’s what works for most members:  

Find your salary as of 9/19/07 (that is, what you made last year) in the left-most column.

Move right one column, to find your new salary as of 9/20/07.

If you received a step increase between 9/20/07 and today, move down one row, staying in the 9/20/07 column.

Now move right one column, to the one labeled 10/06/08. This should be your salary as of 10/06/08.

Please remember that, in the past, it has taken the City and the State longer to program their computers and you may not see your salary adjusted in your paycheck that quickly.  

For further help reading the salary schedule, please your contact your chapter grievance counselor:

• Adjunct counselors are available at the PSC, 212-354-1252 Wednesday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• HEO counselors are available at the PSC, 212-354-1252, on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• The CLT counselor is available at the PSC, 212-354-1252 on Thursdays from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.

• A list of on-campus grievance counselors for full-time faculty is available here.

Do newly hired staff and faculty – that is, hired September 2008 – get a raise, too?

Yes. Nearly all members in active service will see their salary increase.

“I’m a doctoral employee – when does my health insurance start?”

Doctoral employee health insurance was the subject of a side letter hammered out alongside the contract settlement. CUNY has committed to start the new program in the Spring semester. The PSC is pressing for an earlier start date, and the issue is under discussion.

“I’m pregnant – or my wife is – or we’re adopting. What about the new parental leave?”

This provision was subject to enactment of unrelated State legislation on family leave, and that legislation did not pass. But there is a strong commitment to making this benefit work, and discussions with the governor’s office have continued throughout the summer. The contract makes this provision effective September 28, 2008, and the union has stressed that members who are expecting children this fall cannot wait.

LATEST UPDATE: On Thursday September 25, President Barbara Bowen announced that New York State had given its approval for CUNY to move forward on implementing a paid parental leave provision using the fund negotiated in the new contract. There had been a delay in receiving approval for this provision because of legislation on family leave under consideration by the State. Now that all the approvals are in place, the PSC and CUNY will negotiate the exact form the benefit will take. PSC President Bowen emphasized that "the PSC is determined to move as quickly as possible on implementation.”  The union has stressed that members who are expecting children this fall cannot wait.  We will update you as soon as discussions are finalized.

“I need to care for a sick child or parent. Are there new contract provisions for that?”

A provision that took effect as soon as the contract was ratified is the use of sick days to care for family members. Under the new collective bargaining agreement, members who accrue sick days may use up to three days per year for the care of a family member who is ill. Bargaining unit members have the right to use this benefit immediately; if you wish to do so, inform your department chair or supervisor.

“I need some resources for professional development. Can I apply for a grant?”

The new contract provides for CUNY to make the first of three annual contributions to the Adjunct Professional Development Fund effective September 28, 2008. The committee that administers the fund will reconvene to review applications in mid-October. (Note that applications must be approved before any grant-supported expenses are incurred.) The agreement provides for the HEO/CLT Professional Development Fund to continue under the same terms and conditions as in the last contract. (Click here for applications and details on both funds.)

“What about the conversion lines – when do they start?”

Another side letter specified that CUNY will create 100 new Lecturer lines, full-time positions for which the hiring pool will be made up of experienced CUNY adjuncts. Chancellor Goldstein announced the allocation of the first 50 lines among the colleges: as with the conversion lines created during the last contract, most colleges will receive three new lines. The next step is for presidents to allocate lines to departments, and then for departments to do the hiring; the first 50 positions are to be filled before the start of the spring semester. Despite recent budget cuts CUNY has retained its commitment to hiring for the first 50 lines during this academic year, with the balance to be hired the year after.

Can I break up my retroactive pay for tax purposes?

No – the City and State do not break up the retroactive payments. The PSC recommends you contact your accountant or tax preparer about what the retroactive payout will mean for your taxes.  

What about the sick leave bank?

The contract also provides for establishment of a “sick leave bank” and a system of dedicated sick leave days, through which members with accrued sick days can donate them to others. The often complex details of how these two new programs would function are still being worked out; the union will notify members as soon as these benefits can be used.

Will I get retroactive money if I retire before they send the checks out? What if I’m on Travia leave?  I’m retiring at the end of this semester. If the retroactive payments aren’t made yet, will I get mine?

Yes. According to the new agreement, retroactive pay will be paid to employees for such time as they were in active pay status, regardless of when the payments are actually made. Members on Travia leave are considered active for most purposes, and are due retroactive pay for the time they were on Travia.

If you are already retired, your retroactive funds will be mailed to your home. It is a good idea to make sure any and all HR office(s) on the campuses at which you worked have your present home address.

What else? 

Under the new contract, the PSC and CUNY will create a pilot program on student mentoring, to operate on a limited number of campuses during the 2009-2010 academic year. This program will be developed in the current academic year, and that process is still in its early stages. A number of members have already contacted the union with useful ideas on how a student mentoring program might best be structured, and input from other members is encouraged. If you are interested in contributing ideas for this pilot effort, e-mail Coordinator of Policy Kate Pfordresher at kpfordresher@pscmail.org.
 

Updated 9/24/08. To ask a question not found on this list, click here to e-mail Dania Rajendra at drajendra@pscmail.org.