By Sophie Nieto-Munoz
As Rutgers reaches its 250th anniversary of being a revolutionary higher-education institution, many say the biggest revolution would be paying part-time lecturers.
The Rutgers Council of AAUP-AFT Chapters (American Association of University Professors- American Federation of Teachers) congregated at Busch Campus Center on Monday to protest the lack of contracts, benefits and respect from the University.
Graduate students, teacher assistants and full-time employees came out to help part-time lecturers negotiate a contract.
“Right now we’re in negotiation with management for a contract for adjunct faculty, and what we’re drawing out is support and goals at the bargaining table,” said Patrick Nowlan, executive director of the Rutgers AAUP-AFT.
The AAUP-AFT works to uphold, promote and defend values essential to the protection of quality public higher education, according to their website. They also plan to enhance the quality of work life by negotiating terms and conditions of employees represented.
David Chapman, secretary of the AAUP-AFT and Mason Gross School of the Arts adjunct professor, said they are fighting for respect and recognition from the University, but also health benefits, salary and job security.
“We need to have our needs taken care of as well, just like anyone else who has a job,” Chapman said. “It’s hard for part-time lecturers to piece together a living.”
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