Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I be a member of the TVI Employees Federation?

Your interests are best served by a powerful representative. The clout of the TVI Employees Federation increases as its membership increases.  Our efforts to successfully resolve disagreements with the institution's Administration - over instructional policy, contract provisions, or individual disputes - become more effective with the additional input of an increased membership.  Thanks to efforts of current members, we are becoming more proactive and more often consulted from the beginning of new initiatives.  
                                  ¡ We make you a more effective professional !

And, check out the wide range of member benefits, giving you another 10-25 reasons!

How do I get help if I have a problem with the Administration that I can't resolve? 

Our employee-management group* is the first step (and most often the only one needed) in resolving disputes. Their recommendations are based on contract provisions and the precedents set in previous dispute resolutions. 

If necessary, experienced members of our Federation can assist in a formal grievance procedure. In a more serious matter, legal representation is provided without cost to members. (Non-members receive similar assistance, but must bear the cost themselves.) Click here to see links to grievance provisions in each contract.

Contact your Department Representative to get assistance or more information. 

*Faculty-Management committee for Faculty (FMC), Labor-Management committee  for Security Officers (LMC) and Instructional Support (LMC).

How many paid employees does the TVI  Employees Federation have? 

None. Our officers, department representatives, committee chairs and members, and negotiating representatives are all volunteers. We get support from the staff at the New Mexico Federation of Educational Employees, but the TVI Employees Federation activities are all coordinated by members.  (see Contacts page for names)

How is the union run and who runs it?

The TVI Employees Federation is run completely by its membership. Only employees of TVI that are in designated bargaining units (currently: full time faculty, part time faculty, security officers, and instructional technicians, tutors, and reader/writers) are eligible for membership. Our Union is a democratic organization dedicated to the free and open exchange of ideas and respect for the right of all members to participate. Members vote in elections for officers, for the ratification of collective bargaining agreements, and for the organization's governing structure.

How long has there been a union at TVI? 

TVI faculty began organizing in 1993. Our local 4974 was certified by a solid majority of the full time faculty in the certification election in November of 1995.  Representation of part-time faculty followed, then security officers and most recently, instructional support personnel.

Wouldn’t we have gotten the raises anyway?

Some really believe this! Based on previous institutional behavior, not likely, and only on management's terms. In 1997, the then president came up with a scheme to raise full time salaries by cutting part time pay by 20%. Our union would not accept this callous division of faculty, especially since part-time instructors had not received any raises at all in over seven years! 

Why should I join the union; I already get the benefits?

There are many important benefits reserved only for union members.   

Yes, non-members are represented by the union and share in the hard-won progress the union has gained. They too get better pay, more job security, response to long-deserved benefits (e.g. the option of a two-term workload for Full-time faculty, paid holidays for Instructional Technicians), and expectation for a better future. Yet the non-member misses out on one crucial benefit; the personal moral satisfaction of knowing that you are part of the solution, and that through membership you are actively supporting your colleagues in working for our mutual professional well-being and dignity.  

I get along fine with my supervisor; why should I join the union?

Because of the number of responsibilities that administrators have, employment issues may be lower on their priority list (for time and/or money) than you'd like.  The union's top priority is always its members' needs and advocating for a higher spot on the administration's priority list for addressing those needs.  

Won’t the administration retaliate against me if I join the union?

First, it's illegal to retaliate. Second, its unwise and impractical. Third, it won't work. If you feel that it's happened, your union has the tools - very effective tools - to get the egregious action or decision reversed.  If you felt you had been wronged and there wasn't a union, what would you do?

I’m a part time instructor (or Tutor, Instructional Technician, or Reader/writer). If I join the union, wouldn’t that hurt my chances of getting good assignments from term to term?  

That's why there's a contract. In the negotiation process, issues such as scheduling procedures are discussed so your needs are reflected in the negotiations.  When it's an important issue like this, it will be specifically addressed in the contract, with an equitable procedure agreed to by both sides.

I'm a new "probationary" employee, won't I jeopardize my job if I join the Union?

No. We've forged a cooperative relationship with Administration people and zealously protect it. Rather than jeopardizing a permanent position, being a member of the union indicates that you support the professional standards for which your union advocates, and that you take your professional obligations seriously.

I’m very busy. What if we didn’t bother to have a union?

The universal ailment of our times - inadequate time.  We survive it by deciding on our priorities and distributing our time accordingly.  Unfortunately, employment issues may not get their appropriate priority with just-as-busy Administrators. The union sees that they make time for us and for considering the employment issues that are indeed our priorities. 

I don’t like “big labor” and I prefer my independence, so don’t bother me.

Fine. Just remember that your “independence” and salary increases are hard won by the efforts and dedication of your colleagues. They are just as independent and busy as you are but have chosen to take professional responsibility for their well being. 

What are the New Mexico Federation of Educational Employees and the American Federation of Teachers?

* "The New Mexico Federation of Educational Employees (NMFEE) is a statewide federation or “union” of public higher education and K-12 local unions. NMFEE was formed in 1962 and has more than 6,000 members. Our members are college faculty and classified staff, as well as elementary and secondary teachers and school related personnel such as education assistants, secretaries, clerks, custodians, maintenance, operations, food service workers, and school bus employees. The state federation provides field staff and resources for public education employees who want to organize and bargain contracts. The federation also provides members with assistance when they have employment concerns. The state federation lobbies the Legislature for public education. NMFEE is affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers (AFT).

* The American Federation of Teachers (AFT) is a nationwide federation or “union” of state organizations like the NMFEE. AFT was formed in 1916 by Dr. John Dewey and other progressive educators. AFT has more than 1 million members. In addition to lobbying on the national level for public education, AFT also provides resources to public education employees who want to organize for collective bargaining." 

* From the NMFEE Website