Some of you may remember that about a year ago, fellow FACT Talk blogger Phil Ray Jack started telling the story of Margaret West, who, after 21 years of service at Edmonds Community College in Washington State, had been "non-renewed."  Not so coincidentally, West was also about to become the first part-time faculty member at Edmonds to assume the role of president of the faculty union at Edmonds.  In response to Phil's first post, a commenter asked what the union was doing in response and what others could do as well.  Phil pointed out that the union was taking action on several fronts and encouraged others to offer their support.

And now a little bit more than a year later, it appears that justice has been served.  In a decision handed down by the Washington State Public Employment Relations Commission, Edmonds CC was ordered to:

• Cease and desist from discriminating against West in reprisal for her union activities;
• Offer West immediate and full reinstatement to the former position she held or an equivalent position; and,
• Compensate West for back pay and benefits lost due to the improper actions of the college.

And, is the case with such decisions, the college is also required to report in a public meeting of the Board of Trustees and by notices posted on campus that the administration "unlawfully discriminated against Margaret West" and outline what they have been ordered to do to remedy that wrong.

One might suggest that a more fair hiring and renewal policy for contingent faculty would be a good place to start!  Until then, congratulations to Margaret and to her union for protecting her rights.