Adjuncts benefit from SURS, 'fair share'

Last week a letter was published questioning adjunct faculty participation in the State University Retirement System (SURS) and the payment of union dues. There are several inaccuracies that must be addressed.

First, all higher education employees, staff and faculty, are required to participate in SURS. This is not optional and it is statewide. Individual colleges cannot opt in or out of the system.

Employees pay into SURS in lieu of Social Security. Secondly, union dues are paid by "fair share" adjuncts and union members. Fair share adjuncts are free to formally join the union or not. However, because they are represented by the union and receive the benefits and protections of the collective bargaining agreement, they pay their "fair share" of union dues.

This is Illinois law. This is the situation at any Illinois college where the adjunct faculty is represented by a union.

Lastly, restrictions on the number of credit hours adjunct faculty teach are determined by union contract and also the Affordable Care Act. All employers now watch the hours logged by part-time employees in order to not be required to provide medical benefits.

Neither participation in SURS nor benefiting from a union contract's provisions is inequitable. Both, rather, provide participants with safety nets by helping adjuncts to save for the future and to enjoy better working conditions and pay.

Marilyn Sarich

Grayslake