Welcome to the web site of the Federation of Rowan College Educators (F.O.R.C.E.), Local 2373 of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT).

"F.O.R.C.E." is the recognized bargaining agent for all Rowan University full and part-time faculty, librarians, professional staff, coaches, and adjunct faculty, representing members and constituents in negotiations with employing authorities at all levels.

This web site is intended to a comprehensive source for contract benefits and employee rights information. We are interested in what aspects of this website you find helpful and what needs improvement. Please let us know. Thank you.

If you haven't already done so, be sure to register just under the login area to the right. By doing this, you'll be entitled to access any restricted information on this site and you will also be added to the site's Get Active center, where you'll receive occasional updates on legislative or regulatory actions that affect your work.

We're building a new website.

Chaptetr 51 Officers

State educators are taking their funding battle to the courthouse. The Florida School Boards Association Board of Directors unanimously approved a proposal Wednesday afternoon to sue the state, claiming it violated the Florida constitution by inadequately funding K-12 education.

The Gulf County Education Association met with the Gulf County School Board on June 9, 2008 to begin contract negotiation for teachers and education support personnel in Gulf County. During the meeting several contract proposals were presented to the District team. There were no proposals made on salary, however salary was discussed in general terms. The District stated that they thought it was going to be a very difficult year with funding cuts. They added that they hoped to be able to give our negotiated step increases this year. By contract, step increases must be given at the beginning of each school year.

Here are some quick facts to consider:

· The Fund Balance (The District’s savings account and often the place where raises come from) at the end of the 2006/07 school year was: $877,274.00
· The District created 16 new positions in Gulf County in the 2007/08 School Year at the cost of $650,727.
· At the end of the 2007/08 school year the District cut 18 positions in Gulf County at the cost of $713,919.
· The Fund Balance at the end of May 2008 was $15,025.81

You know whe have a new five year agreement, but you do not have a copy. Do you want one?

AFT Healthcare-MD wins upgrades !

The Constitution was created in Spring 2008, as our FCCS Union Local was being established. Click the Constitution link above to see the full document.