Notes on the United Faculty meeting at DVC and the DVC Restoration Project's Happy Hour, 12/6/06

There were a whopping three faculty members of United
Faculty at the DVC meeting today, as VP Kathleen Costa
took us through the various changes in the contract
we are currently voting to ratify. I like the changes--good things for
making it easier for part-timers
to get step increases, get credited for work done
elsewhere and work done in the summer session--but
none of it made me sorry I voted
against this contract.

As someone wrote earlier in the week, we approved the
2005 contract on the basis of our needing to get
stronger and fight better the next time. This IS the
next time and again we're accepting the district's
pleading poor. What now--wait till the NEXT next
time?

In attendance: a former UF VP, the current FSC
president, and the failed presidential candidate for
the UF. Joining us later were two other members of
the negotiating team.

Meanwhile, observed yesterday: people tossing their Table Talks
and their ballots, unopened, into the dumpster.

Clearly DVC faculty are indifferent, burned out, and
alienated, just like our LMC sisters and brothers.
Maybe we will see an infusion of spirit and energy
from CCC as Jeffrey brings in a different perspective
and approach to union leadership. I hope so.
I'm used to faculty apathy (I don't ACCEPT it, but I'm used to it)
but this is scary.

Later that same afternoon, ten DVC employees gathered
at the Left Bank to celebrate our companionship, raise a glass to the
newly-engaged in the group, dream about study abroad and elections to
come.

The Left Bank itself was bedecked
in seasonal lights--as if a blow
against the darkness. Which
descended nonetheless.