A Big Win for Part-Time Faculty: Summer Pay Victory
AFT Local 212 has secured an important victory for our part-time faculty members. After months of advocacy, organizing, and action, the College has agreed to provide back-pay this year to faculty in the new Progression and Pay Program—making up the difference between their reduced summer rate and their spring hourly rate.
Even more significant: beginning in summer 2026, the College will end summer pay reductions entirely for those in the new system. This change means that, for the first time, summer teaching will be valued equally to spring and fall semesters.
This progress didn’t happen by accident—it happened because Local 212 members stood together, raised their voices, and fought for fairness. We especially want to thank the faculty who filed wage claims with the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development. Your courage made this win possible.
What’s Next?
Legacy System Faculty: Unfortunately, part-time faculty in the old pay system will still face summer reductions of 7.23%–7.43%. This underscores the importance of continuing to organize and push for equity for all faculty.
Tier 3 Pay Rates: The College has confirmed the maximum for Tier 3 in the new system will be $57/hour—lower than the $62.77/hour maximum in the old system (as of 2024–2025). While cost-of-living adjustments could happen in the future, none were applied this year for those at the top of their ranges.
Why Membership Matters
This win shows exactly why being part of the union matters. Without collective action, the College would not have budged. Non-members benefit from the progress members make—but to go further, we need every part-time faculty member in the fight, at the table, and in the union.
Together, we can eliminate inequities, win cost-of-living increases, and ensure that part-time faculty are respected as the professionals they are.
If you’re not yet a member of Local 212’s Part-Time Bargaining Union, now is the time to join. Every voice strengthens our collective power.
📩 For questions or to get involved, please reach out to Dewey Caton, Hughes “Crash” Crawford, or the AFT Local 212 Office.
👉 [Click here to learn more about Local 212’s positions on these administrative decisions.]
