UPDATE, FALL 2010.

This is what we have heard: The arbitration for the professors to fight the unfair layoffs was set to start in Spring 2010.  But then SFAI attorneys at Littler Mendelson unilaterally cancelled the arbitration. (Yes, SFAI sinks this low.)  This delay put the laid-off professors in a really tough spot because they are struggling to pay bills, keep their homes, etc., pending this arbitration.  SFAI then made an excuse that it could not make another date for arbitration because, it claimed, one of its Executives (we are guessing CFO/COO Espi Sanjana) was going to be out-of-town.  It turns out that the SFAI Executive was in town and working in his office that same day.  (SFAI sinking lower...)  The arbitration was rescheduled to start in late July 2010, but then the arbitrator had some emergency that pulled him away.  As of this Labor Day weekend, the arbitration has still not been rescheduled!!!  We hope it starts soon.

We also heard that in April 2010 the California Labor Commissioner ordered SFAI to pay unpaid wages to several professors who had filed complaints.  The hearing officer described SFAI's arguments as "disingenuous at best."  We are proud of these SFAI professors for their courage and dedication.  Congratulations!!

For years the SFAI faculty did not have any salary increases, and then their salaries and benefits were cut.  The SFAI Action Group supports efforts to restore full compensation and benefits to SFAI faculty, and the reinstatement of the tenured faculty who were wrongly laid-off.  SFAI students and alumni demand a high-quality teaching environment and expect professors and students to be treated right.

Please support SFAI faculty and help preserve quality education at SFAI by contributing to the FACULTY LEGAL FUND -- by clicking you will go to the faculty union website.

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Spring 2010.  Our professors at the San Francisco Art Institute are working to protect tenure and academic freedom at SFAI. They are seeking justice and the reinstatement of tenured faculty jobs at SFAI.  On the other hand, the SFAI Administration is using deep pockets lined with student tuition money in their fight against the tenured faculty.  Our professors are struggling but remain steady as they hold the line.  Now is the time for us to pitch in to help our professors win this battle for the future of quality education at SFAI, for academic freedom, tenure and SFAI's rich legacy.  Please join us now in support of the faculty by donating to their LEGAL FUND -- by clicking you will go to the faculty union website.

Background.  Months ago, the SFAI Administration announced plans to layoff about 25% of tenured faculty.  The affected faculty had taught at SFAI between 10 and 31 years.  The Administration announced its layoff plan in the midst of a budget surplus and while pushing a plan for an expensive new "School of Design."  Students and alumni organized to protest against SFAI's questionable plans.  In May 2009, a group of students presented a petition to the SFAI Board of Trustees at their final meeting of the academic year along with a statement in support of the professors and quality education at SFAI. Our statement and presentation were met with an air on arrogant indifference and all but dismissal for the issues raised and the gravity of the situation.  In May 2009, a Grievance Review Committee determined that the plan to layoff faculty violated the faculty contract in multiple ways and recommended that the layoffs be rescinded.  But the Administration refused the unanimous recommendation.  At the May 2009 Commencement, peaceful protest and attempts by students to distribute informative flyers to attendees were suppressed by SF police presence and Administrator's threats, and the year ended with many students leaving campus for the summer.

The faculty layoffs took effect in August 2009, yet the struggle that the faculty members would face had barely begun.  Although it appeared then and appears now that SFAI violated the law and the faculty contract, SFAI must be ordered to reinstate the faculty because the Administration cannot seem to do the right thing on its own.  The faculty must now pursue justice and their jobs at arbitration, which will begin this Spring 2010.  The SFAI faculty union is small and has limited resources, and needs your help.

Please join us in supporting SFAI faculty by donating to the legal fund of the Faculty Union of the San Francisco Art Institute.  For more information and to donate, go to the FUSFAI website by clicking HERE.