Several memorandums have been signed recently that contain good news for the members! Read on to learn about how they may positively benefit you!

• Guided Pathways Pilot: The purpose of this Agreement is to codify working conditions for bargaining unit members who work in the Advising and/or Student Services departments on the Northwestern, Middlesex and Housatonic campuses who were or may be impacted by the Board’s pending reorganization plan for the Guided Pathways program. The agreement outlines job security; professional development; promotion, tenure, and sabbatical; and applicability. While this agreement was signed by the Vice President of Human Resources last month, 4Cs President Chalmers waited to sign the agreement until she met with members to receive feedback and consulted with our attorney.
• Inclement Weather: The purpose of this Agreement is to codify working conditions for bargaining unit members at times when the operations of colleges are impacted by inclement weather or some other similar event. The agreement outlines the use of professional judgment when teaching or working remotely during a "snow day" or similar weather event. For example, "in the event that a college has not closed, canceled its classes or transitioned to remote learning due to inclement weather or similar event but the municipality/ town where the bargaining unit member resides announces a closure of its K-12 schools or announces a transition to remote learning for its school system due to inclement weather or similar circumstance, bargaining unit members shall, in consultation with their supervisor, be able to exercise their professional judgment in deciding to report to the college or work remotely. Notice must be sent to the appropriate immediate supervisor as soon as practicable."
• Further agreement on reimbursement of equipment expenses and internet stipend: The purpose of this Agreement is to resolve a pending dispute regarding reimbursement for expensesassociated with the transition of online learning that occurred during the spring 2020 semester. "Reimbursement for costs associated with the transition to online teaching and remote working that were incurred within the window identified in the Union’s MOA shall be made to all bargaining unit members, including those who were not engaged in teaching during the spring 2020 semester." Further, the $50/$10 stipends for full-timers and part-timers are now extended to all bargaining unit members as well, not just those who were teaching.
• Telework MOA: Reminder that the Telework MOA is still in effect for members that are experiencing additional hardships due to COVID-19 related to eldercare or childcare.

Click on the links above to read the agreements. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to the office!