Plymouth State University Faculty Looking to Join Labor Union

Plymouth State University (PSU) Faculty members announced earlier today they have filed for election with the NH Public Employees Labor Relations Board (PELRB).  The results of that election will determine whether the tenure-track faculty will become the newest bargaining unit of the State Employees’ Association of New Hampshire (SEA), the state’s largest labor union. 

A minimum of 30 percent of the potential members in a bargaining unit need to have signed authorization cards in favor of unionizing before an election can take place. If successful, the tenure-track faculty will be the second SEA bargaining unit at PSU. The adjunct faculty members at PSU voted to form their union in late 2011.

Following months of discussion and consideration, the faculty members believe forming their union will provide the means to positively affect issues such as healthcare benefits, job security, and working conditions.

“For me this unionization is all about making sure there is a strong faculty voice,” said Cathie LeBlanc, Professor and Chair of the Communication & Media Studies Department at PSU. “When we are making decisions about how the university should work I would like the faculty to have a clear mechanism for having input.” 

Faculty members are quick to acknowledge their existing relationship with the administration is good and many recognize it will become even better once the faculty members have organized their union. 

“Collective bargaining of a legally binding agreement can ensure that the processes and procedures that are working for us continue to be used, even after this administration is gone,” LeBlanc said.

Another member of the tenure-track faculty believes organizing is a “win, win, win situation.” said Gary McCool, Associate Professor and Coordinator of Reference Services at Lamson Library & Learning Commons. “The formation of a faculty union can be a win, win, win for all parties – students, faculty, and administration.  Students win when the faculty are empowered to ensure the quality of education and when we can help attract high quality faculty and reduce faculty turnover.  The faculty win when there are clearly defined and legally binding policies and conditions of employment.  The administration wins by gaining a stronger partner in advocacy for increased state funding, and by strengthening a shared governance system with faculty.”

Grace Fraser, Associate Professor of Social Science agreed.

“I have thought about this a great deal and have to come to believe that a faculty union is necessary.  The issues are not simply about wages and benefits.  I am deeply concerned about the quality of academics…,” Fraser said.

The PELRB will determine the number of eligible members in the bargaining unit. Those eligible members will then have the opportunity to cast a vote to join SEA in an election later this spring.