Dear colleagues,

On March 16, the hearing concluded at the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). The next step will be a review of the case by the NLRB Regional Director, and we expect to receive a decision within the next three or four weeks. During this period, we also expect the Service Employees International Union’s (SEIU) organizing effort to continue. In keeping with our culture of supporting the free flow of ideas and information, all faculty are invited to attend a specially-called Faculty Senate town hall on faculty unionization Thursday, March 30 from 3 to 5 p.m. in Flynn Auditorium at the Law School.

Over the past weeks, some of the questions we have heard focus on how a union would impact the decision making for a non-tenure track faculty member’s terms of employment. Will faculty members be the union? Or will the SEIU be a “third party” advocate (as described by one of the union’s witnesses at the hearing this week)? How will discussions of your roles in teaching, service and scholarship change?

Today, if you wish to discuss your appointment, what you teach and when you teach it, seek a special accommodation to your work schedule or raise other concerns, you engage directly with your department chair or other university representative.

Current Employment Discussions

In a union environment, department chairs and university leaders would be prohibited from dealing directly with you regarding the terms and conditions of your employment. Rather, the university could work only through the SEIU employees and their designated faculty representatives. According to SEIU Local 205’s constitution, these representatives are referred to as “Stewards.” Stewards are appointed by the union and serve “with the consent of the members.”  SEIU stewards are not elected. The constitution provides details about the role of the stewards and the overall role of the union.

In addition, the terms negotiated by the union representatives would apply to all faculty in the bargaining unit. Although these faculty can “opt out” of paying union dues, faculty in the unit could not “opt out” of the terms of a union contract.

Employment Discussions with Union Representation

The SEIU’s Constitution and Bylaws set forth the union’s governance structure and rules giving the International Union jurisdiction over all Local Unions and their members. I recommend you review this additional information in drawing your own conclusion.

I also encourage you to continue to consult the Faculty Unionization Information website, which includes the latest FAQs as well as an archive of the messages I have sent. I hope to see you at the Faculty Senate town hall March 30 to further discuss these important issues.

Sincerely,

Susan R. Wente
Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs