Although it’s the beginning of the fall semester, teachers have a lot more to think about than the courses they teach. This fall, all teachers on campus are going to vote on whether or not they want to have a union.

In order to obtain a vote on the issue, 50 percent plus one signature from the faculty was necessary and was in fact gained.

The vote brings together two factors. Whether to have full representation by the American Federation of Teachers or to have no representation.

The election is to take place between the dates of Oct. 15 and Nov. 5. All ballots will be sent to teacher’s homes and will be expected to be received by the Public Employment Relations Board (PERB) by Nov. 5.

Some benefits of having a union are that in the future there may be better salaries for teachers, more affordable health care, and there will always be a voice to represent the faculty in a manner that will satisfy them as a whole.

Robert Huber, a theatre instructor who has been working at Cerritos College for 15 years, is for union representation. “The Union has adequate representation. The most important element is the faculty and students. Without a union, it’s almost like teachers have to beg for what they want. Right now, the faculty has no rights. They will have a better position if they are organized as a group.”

Huber also stated that “the backing of a union can increase the probability for better insurance, and can also give the faculty more backing legally. They can compensate the faculty for what it’s worth.

Although there are many on staff who have already made up their minds about which way to vote, like Robert Huber, there are still those who plan to examine all sides of the situation before casting their vote this fall.

Dr. Kimberley J. Duff, a Psychology teacher on campus who has been here for four years, can see why part-time teachers might have much to gain from this. “I can understand why having a union would show more support for those on faculty who are part time.”

Although Duff has made no decision yet on her vote in the fall, she is not alone in her thinking. It is true that part-time teachers have no benefits and are required to have office hours that they are not paid for.

In the end, when votes are received in the fall, the result will have an effect on all on faculty. Yet once again, it is up to them to have their voices heard. Whether through a union or not.