Professional Staff Congress/City University of New York (and)

PSC /CUNY

c/o Legislative Conference c/o United Federation of College Teachers
11 West 42nd Street, Suite 554 260 Park Avenue South
New York, New York 10036 New York, New York 10010
212/354-1252 212/673-6310
Belle Zeller may Aes ee Israel Kugler
President Deputy President

Dear Colleague:

When the UFCT and the LC merged April 14 into the Professional Staff Congress,
the Administration offered us this ultimatum: Either accept the Administration's
division of the instructional staff into three separate units, or no negotiations
will begin before the expiration of our present contracts August 31.

As reprehensible as this ultimatum was, it was legal: The Administration could
hold out for a decision by the Public Employment Relations Board (PERB), which
is likely to be for one unit, not three, but is not likely to come before the
end of this semester---too late for an election and too late for negotiations
to begin until next semester.

PSC rejected this ultimatum. But to avert the disaster of a no-contract crisis---
and to give the instructional staff the opportunity to voice its will for staff
unity---we suggested an election now. The Administration agreed, and PERB agreed
to conduct the election. You will be asked to vote on two questions: whether

you want one unit and whether you want PSC to represent you.

Ballots will be mailed May 17 and must be returned by May 31. They will be
counted by PERB June 7. The fulltime faculty will receive ballots of one color;
the parttime staff will receive ballots of another color; and nonclassroom
professionals will receive ballots of a third color. If any one group votes NO
on the first question---staff unity---it will be separated from the rest of the
instructional staff for collective bargaining purposes.

We hope you understand that such a NO vote would achieve exactly what the
Administration has been fighting for---staff disunity, fragmentation and weakness---
exactly what we overcame through our historic merger.

Only by a resoundingly affirmative vote on both questions can we enter negotiations
with the single voice and the bargaining strength that are indispensable to a
strong contract.

Sincerely,
hilt ag
Belle Zeller

nt Gh

Israel Kugler

P.S. We need your support and membership. If you are not yet a member of PSC,
please fill out the enclosed membership application and drop it in a mailbox.
Your active support now is the best possible investment in your future.

AMERICAN FEDERATION OF TEACHERS, AFL-CIO
UNITED TEACHERS OF NEW YORK
NEW YORK CITY CENTRAL LABOR COUNCIL
NEW YORK STATE TEACHERS ASSOCIATION
NATIONAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION