2026 Part-Time Faculty Health Benefits Update

Dear Part-Time Faculty Member,

AFT 1828 is pleased to share that, for the upcoming plan year, the union will contribute $304 per month toward the cost of health insurance for eligible part-time faculty beyond the District's contribution. While the union’s contribution is slightly lower than last year's amount, it has enabled an historic number of part-time faculty members to participate in the program and access health care coverage.

At the same time, we want to be transparent about the future of this benefit. After this year's enrollment period, very little surplus funding will remain in the PT health benefits pool. We recognize that rising health care costs and the increasing cost of living continue to place significant financial pressure on part-time faculty.  For this reason, AFT 1828 has proposed that the District participate in the California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office Part-Time Faculty Health Insurance Program, a state funded program that covers 100% of health care costs for eligible part-time faculty, their spouse/domestic partner, and their dependents.

Participation in this program would provide meaningful financial relief to our members while helping ensure the long-term sustainability of health care benefits. Not only does it make it easier for PT faculty teaching at multiple community college districts to qualify, it makes it easier for them to stay qualified. But the risk is very high. Without a district agreement to this proposal, the cost of medical benefits for part-time faculty will be drastically much more since the district is only obligated to pay half of the cost of an individual plan.

The current benefit structure was renegotiated through the 2023 reopener of Article Four, section 4.2.E.(1) is provided below. The agreement further states that any unused funds are to remain available for future years to offset rate increases, expand benefits, or otherwise support part-time faculty health coverage.  AFT 1828 remains committed to protecting and expanding health care benefits for part-time faculty. We will continue advocating for solutions that reduce out-of-pocket costs and improve access to quality coverage for all eligible members.

4.2.E.   Non‐Contract Faculty Eligibility and Coverage

4.2.E.(1)   Beginning with the open enrollment period in September 2023, the District agrees to contribute up to four hundred seventy five thousand dollars ($475,000) annually for the purpose of providing access to the medical plan options to non‐contract faculty members as set forth below.

• 4.2.E.(1)a.   The District will contribute no less than one half of the contribution of the base plan (higher of PPO 90 C or Kaiser HMO ($10 OV/$10 RX) per month towards the premium of the selected option, and the balance of the premium will be paid by the employee.

• 4.2.E.(1)b.   If the District does not spend the full four hundred seventy five thousand dollars ($475,000) in the 12‐month period, any unspent monies will be set aside by the District for use in the following year toward non‐contract unit members’ insurance (e.g., offset rate increases, expand the benefit). Any remaining funds will remain in this pool to be used in future years.

• 4.2.E.(1)c.  The District and Federation will negotiate the effect of the use of any remaining funds for any modification in rates, number of subscribers or coverage for this plan. If part‐time health benefits are discontinued, the funds shall be distributed to the non‐contract salary schedule, excluding salary schedules under 3.8C and 3.11.

This important initiative and many other concerns and issues facing our PT members are covered in the AFT 1828 CBA Re-Opener Survey #5: Prioritizing the Issues.  The invitation to the fifth survey in the series focuses on the priorities of our members in the 2022-2025 CBA Successor negotiations, and was emailed this past Thursday. Your input directly drives our strategy.  

Are you missing the invitation to the survey?

• Check the spam folder of your email account

• Search your inbox for an email from vcfct@aft1828.org via SurveyMonkey

• If you cannot locate it, please contact the AFT office manager at officemanager@aft1828.org.

• if you suspect you may have accidentally opted out of receiving our surveys, simply visit Survey Monkey's opt-in page to correct the mistake

If you have questions or concerns, please reach out to your campus VP, one of the negotiations team members, or the chief negotiator. 

AFT’S BOTTOM LINE

If faculty are not visibly engaged, the District has no reason to change course. When we show up together, we move negotiations. Now is the time to act.

If you are not a union member, please consider joining to participate. Or contact Chief Negotiator/Assistant Grievance Chair Nathan Cole for a paper copy of the form at ncole.aft1828@gmail.com.