Many know that the American Federation of Teachers Massachusetts has a presence at some of our state’s public institutions of higher education.
Most do not know that we have a strong presence in some of the Commonwealth’s private institutions of higher education, including Berklee College of Music.
Since June, the Berklee Faculty Union, AFT Local 4412 has diligently negotiated a new, three-year contract with better pay and expanded opportunities for its members.
Over the course of 15 sessions, the BFU negotiated a strong contract featuring:
- Steady wage increases over the course of the contract (a three percent increase annually);
- Onboarding stipends and annual pay-equity adjustments for part-time faculty;
- Stronger and earlier promotion opportunities for part-time faculty;
- Expanded paid office hours; and
- Integration of full-time faculty at Berklee’s New York City campus.
“In essence, this contract is giving faculty the fair pay and support they need so they can focus on providing their students with the educational opportunities and mentoring they deserve,” said Berklee Faculty Union President William Silvio.
In addition, the BFU’s new contract includes the largest-ever conversion of part-time positions to full-time, with 13 positions converting annually, resulting in 39 full-time positions over the course of the contract.
To create a more stable environment for full-time faculty, this contract bans the administration from unilaterally altering a member’s service assignment. Any changes to a faculty member’s service after October 15, must be approved by the member.
“Our members made it clear they wanted this agreement to balance their own well-being with that of our students and community. It’s no surprise that students from around the world come here to study with such a remarkable group,” said Berklee Faculty Union Secretary-Treasurer Andrew Shryock.
With this new contract, the BFU is expanding its footprint. Under the terms of the contract, all full-time faculty members at BerkleeNYC, the college’s New York City campus, will receive benefits, rights, and protections of union representation.