FAQs

“Union caucuses are not dual union movements. They are not illegal. They are not disloyal…A caucus supports the union and works to strengthen it. It does not seek itself to bargain with management. Rather, it seeks to make the union do that job better.”

Aaron Brenner, The Troublemakers Handbook 2, Jane Slaughter (editor)

What is a Caucus?

A caucus is a group of union members who want to collectively address concerns and build connections among members to pursue common goals that lead to strengthening the union overall and to reinforcing democratic rights for all union members. AFT members are organized into many independent caucuses at the national, state, and local levels. These independent caucuses are not organized by the union officers, nor subject to be recognized by the union leadership.

Why the Solidarity Caucus?

We are a group of union members at William Paterson University who have formed this independent caucus within the union: the “Solidarity Caucus.” We believe that a union should be a place where members feel comfortable speaking out, and we feel that forming a caucus will provide a structured method for ensuring our right to a voice in our working conditions. We are all union members and are committed to a strong union at WPU. Our caucus will work to establish a solid democratic infrastructure in our local union. Participation in the caucus is completely voluntary. If they wish, participants can maintain anonymity and leave the caucus at any time.

Do we have the legal right to form a caucus?

As public-sector workers, we have the right to form such a caucus. That right is protected by the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, New Jersey State Labor Law, and Title I of the Federal Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act (LMRDA). The AFT National has dozens of caucuses. They do not need to be approved by our union. Our right to form the Solidarity Caucus has been affirmed by NJ AFT Council.

Here are some examples of other caucuses within the AFT:

Won’t this divide or weaken the union?

The purpose of the caucus is to revitalize member involvement in our local union. We are union members working to increase member engagement and democratic process. The Solidarity Caucus will work to ensure that our local union is following the clear and democratic processes that are laid out in our constitution. Since the founding of the caucus we have had members run for local office and join local committees. Active membership in our local makes our union stronger. We believe that an educated and active membership will strengthen our local bargaining position. We are not interested in disruption or conflict. Now that we face layoffs and restructuring, it is critical all faculty and staff voices are heard within the union, and that our collective concerns are posed to the administration.

Is the caucus secretive and/or only open to certain members?

Anyone who is a member of our local –including any member of the Executive Board– is welcomed to join the caucus. Although we are union members, we do not have a systematic way to communicate with the entire membership, something that our caucus views as problematic. We have reached out in as many venues as possible–the internet, non-WPU or AFT emails, and announcements in membership meetings. We also plan to develop social media accounts.

Is this really the right time? Maybe we should wait.

It’s true that things are really overwhelming right now, and we have a lot of issues to face at WPU. But, we have a settled contract for the next few years, and the 2020-21 academic year is now underway following summer negotiations about campus re-opening plans. Our local union elections have been conducted, and we are currently operating under a Local Constitution that could be revised and re-adopted. This is actually a great time to establish the democratic bodies that we are entitled to as union members.

If I join the caucus, what else will I have to do?

There are no caucus dues or requirements right now. We anticipate developing bylaws, electing leadership, and establishing sub-committees as needed, but it is important that those decisions be made collectively, fairly, and democratically by caucus members.

How do I join the caucus?

You can join the email list to anonymously receive updates about caucus activities. You can also decide to become a public supporter by adding your name to the member list. To find out more email aftsolidarity@gmail.com