January 2023 Newsletter

In this issue of the National Center's monthly newsletter, we provide updates on speakers and panels for our 50th anniversary conference including an announcement that renowned guitarist Marc Ribot will be participating in the conference.

The newsletter also reports on the most recent faculty and graduate assistant bargaining unit certifications and representation elections. It includes a table with data from the 2022 graduate assistant elections. We also welcome Brandon Mancilla, the newest member of our Board of Advisors, and we share job postings of interest to members of our constituencies.

Join Us For Our 50th Anniversary Conference

Hunter College

March 26-28, 2023, New York City

On March 26-28, 2023, the National Center will be holding our 50th annual conference in New York City at Hunter College and the Roosevelt House Public Policy Institute.

The theme of the 2023 annual conference will be Collective Bargaining in Higher Education Looking Back, Looking Forward, 1973-2023.

Consistent with the theme, the conference agenda will include an array of panels examining historical and contemporary issues in higher education including • negotiations • bargaining over contingent faculty issues • salary equity • collective bargaining and shared governance • graduate assistant unionization • labor relations • Title IX • discrimination • religiously-affiliated institutions, • enrollment • financial support for higher education • student debt • and retirement equity.

Below is a list of confirmed conference panels and panelists,

Click here to Register. The early registration rate ends January 31, 2023.

50th Annual Conference Keynote Speaker:

Political Philosopher and Harvard Professor Michael J. Sandel

Michael Sandel, the political philosopher and Harvard University professor will be the conference keynote speaker. Professor Sandel's books include: The Tyranny of Merit: What’s Become of the Common Good?; What Money Can’t Buy: The Moral Limits of Markets; Justice: What’s the Right Thing to Do?; The Case against Perfection: Ethics in the Age of Genetic Engineering; Public Philosophy: Essays on Morality in Politics; Democracy’s Discontent: America in Search of a Public Philosophy; and Liberalism and the Limits of Justice

Newly Announced: Conference Performance by Marc Ribot

The National Center is very pleased to announce that Marc Ribot, the internationally renowned guitarist and composer, will be performing at our 50th annual conference that will be followed by a discussion co-sponsored by the Music Workers Alliance (MWA).

The MWA panel discussion will be moderated by Larry Blumenfeld, writer (Wall Street Journal, Daily Beast, and other publications) The panel will be discussing labor issues facing contemporary independent musicians and the parallels to precarious employment in other fields including higher education.

Mr. Ribot works in many musical styles including jazz, rock, and Cuban music. In addition to his own numerous music projects and recordings, Mr. Ribot has recorded with such artists as Robert Plant and Alison Krauss, Allen Toussaint, Elvis Costello, John Mellencamp. T-Bone Burnett, Soloman Burke, Neko Case, Diana Krall, Arto Lindsay, Laurie Anderson, Susana Baca, McCoy Tyner, The Jazz Passengers and Medeski, Martin & Wood.

Confirmed Panels and Speakers

Below is a list of currently confirmed conference panels and panelists:

Panel: The 50-Year History of Collective Bargaining at Hofstra University with Herman Berliner, Lawrence Herbert Distinguished Professor, Provost Emeritus, Hofstra University, Peter C. Daniel, Professor of Biology, Hofstra University, Bernard J. Firestone, Professor of Political Science, Hofstra University, Estelle S. Gellman, Professor Emerita, Hofstra University, Elisabeth Ploran, Associate Professor of Psychology, Hofstra University, and Liora Pedhazur Schmelkin, Distinguished Professor Emeritus, Hofstra University.

Panel: Cultivating a Collaborative Culture in a Climate of Semi-Permanent Austerity with Nicholas DiGiovanni, Partner, Morgan, Brown & Joy, Chief Negotiator, University System of New Hampshire, Kimberly Harkness, Executive Assistant to the Provost and former Director of Human Resources, Keene State College, Emile Netzhammer III, Chancellor, Washington State University, Vancouver, former Provost at Keene State College, and Patrick Dolenc, Professor of Economics, Keene State College, Chair of Keene State College faculty union bargaining team, Panelist and Moderator.

Panel: College Athletes, NCAA and the NLRA: An Update with Gabriel Feldman, Sher Garner Professor of Sports Law, Tulane Law School, Joshua Nadreau, Fisher Phillips LLP, Mark Gaston Pearce, Executive Director, Workers’ Rights Institute, Georgetown University Law School, and former National Labor Relations Board Chairman, and Jeffrey Hirsch, Geneva Yeargan Rand Distinguished Professor of Law, University of North Carolina School of Law, Panelist and Moderator.

Panel: Title IX: Its Past, Its Present, and Its Future with Frazier Benya, Senior Program Officer, National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, Lance Houston, Title IX Coordinator and Director of Equity and Compliance, Adelphi University, Risa Lieberwitz, Professor of Labor and Employment Law in the Cornell University School of Industrial and Labor Relations and General Counsel of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP), Tamiko Strickman, Special Advisor to the President and Executive Director of the Office of Equity, Civil Rights, and Title IX, University of Michigan, and Moderators: Karen R. Stubaus, Ph.D., Vice President for Academic Affairs, Rutgers University and Alexandra Matish, J.D., Associate Vice Provost for Academic and Faculty Affairs and Senior Director, Academic Human Resources, University of Michigan. Co-organized by the National Academies' Action Colloborative on Preventing Sexual Harassment in Higher Education.

Panel: Treasuring the Past and the Spirit of Change: Perspectives from Experienced Arbitrators with Rosemary A. Townley, Arbitrator and Mediator, Howard C. Edelman, Arbitrator and Mediator, Jacquelin F. Drucker, Arbitrator and Mediator, and Homer LaRue, Arbitrator, Mediator, and Professor, Howard University Law School, Moderator. Co-sponsored by the National Academy of Arbitrators.

Panel: Higher Education Unionization: Perspectives from Labor Relations Agencies with John Wirenius, Chairperson, New York State Public Employment Relations Board, Marjorie Wittner, Chairperson, Massachusetts Commonwealth Employment Relations Board, Mary Beth Hennessy-Shotter, Director of Conciliation and Arbitration, NJ Public Employment Relations Commission, and Michael P. Sellars, Executive Director, Washington State Public Employment Relations Commission, Moderator. Co-sponsored by the the Association of Labor Relations Agencies.

Panel: Yesterday and Today: Experienced Administrators Reflect on Collective Bargaining in Higher Education with Margaret E. Winters, Former Provost and Professor Emerita French and Linguistics, Wayne State University, Theodore H. Curry, Associate Provost and Associate Vice President for Academic Human Resources Emeritus, Professor Emeritus, School of Human Resources and Labor Relations, Michigan State University, Letitia Silas, Executive Director, Labor Relations, University of California, Jeffery Frumkin, Associate Vice Provost for Academic Human Resources, University of Michigan (retired), and Michael Eagen, Associate Provost for Academic Personnel, University of Massachusetts – Amherst, Moderator.

Panel: Yesterday and Today: Experienced Faculty Leaders in Higher Education with Jamie Dangler, former Vice President for Academics, United University Professions, Jeffrey Halpern, former President, Rider University AAUP, Phil Kugler, American Federation of Teachers, Charles Toombs, President, California Faculty Association, and Penny Lewis, Secretary, Professional Staff Congress/CUNY, AFT Local #2334, Moderator.

Panel: Collective Bargaining and Building Relationships During the COVID-19 Crisis with Melissa Sortman, Director, Faculty and Academic Staff Affairs, Michigan State University, Kate Birdsall, President, UNTF and Associate Professor, Michigan State University, Daniel L. Fay, Assistant Professor, Askew School of Public Administration and Policy, Florida State University, Adela Ghadimi, PhD Candidate, Askew School of Public Administration and Policy, Florida State University, and Braden Campbell, Reporter, Law360, Moderator.

Panel: Non-Discrimination Contract Clauses in Higher Education: Substance and Procedures with Erin Ward, PhD Student in Sociology, CUNY Graduate Center, Anu Biswas, Graduate Student, CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies, Melanie Kruvelis, Graduate Student, CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies, and Ana Avendano, Professor, CUNY School of Law, Moderator.

Panel: Past, Present, and Future of Graduate Student Employee Unions with Bob Muehlenkamp, first TAA President, Julie Schmid, Executive Director, AAUP, Candi Churchill, Executive Director, United Faculty of Florida, Emily Schkeryantz, Organizer, UAW Local 1596, Danielle Dirocco, Organizational Specialist, NEA, Cassidy Wagner, Vice President for Communication, Coalition of Graduate Employees, AFT Local 6069, and Joseph van der Naald, PhD Candidate in Sociology, Graduate Center, CUNY, Moderator.

Panel: Collective Bargaining and Governance: In Harmony or In Conflict? with Amitabha Bose, President, NJIT Professional Staff Association/AAUP, Fadi Deek, former Provost & Senior Executive Vice President and Dean of the College of Science and Liberal Arts, NJIT, Rene Castro, CSU, Dominguez Hill, Carl Levine, Levy Ratner, and Christopher Sinclair, Secretary/Treasurer, AAUP, Moderator.

Panel: Medical Training and Collective Bargaining: Histories and Challenges with Dr. Srinivas Pentyala, Professor & Director of Translational Research in Anesthesiology & SARAS Coordinator; Faculty in Orthopedics & Rehabilitation, Urology, Health Sciences, Physiology & Biophysics, Stony Brook School of Medicine, Dr. Samuel Marquez, Department of Pathology, SUNY Downstate School of Medicine, David Dashefsky, Director of Strategic Campaigns, CIR-SEIU Healthcare, and Sara Slinn, Associate Professor, Osgoode Hall Law School, York University, Moderator.

Panel: Labor and Anti-Discrimination Rights at Religiously-Affiliated Institutions with Gerald J. Beyer, Associate Professor of Christian Ethics, Villanova University, Saerom Park, Assistant General Counsel, SEIU, Sarah M. Phelps, General Counsel, Trinity Washington University, and Michael Loconto, Labor Arbitrator, Loconto ADR, Moderator.

Panel: History of Full-time and Part-time Contingent Faculty Unionization since the Early 1990s with Joseph P. McConnell, Morgan, Brown & Joy, Anne McLeer, Director of Higher Education and Strategic Planning, SEIU Local 500, Andrew Cantrell, Field Service Director, Illinois Federation of Teachers, Scott C. Merrill, Senior Director of Labor Operations and Senior Labor Counsel, Northeastern University, and Katherine H. Hansen, Gladstein, Reif & Meginniss, LLP, Moderator (panel in formation).

Panel: Past and Present of Negotiated Contingent Faculty Job Security: Labor Perspectives from the University of California and the University of Michigan with Mia McIver, former UC-AFT President, Kirsten Herold, President, Lecturers' Employee Organization, AFT Local 6244, Eric Beuerlein, Vice President, Lecturers' Employee Organization, AFT Local 6244, Luke Elliott-Negri, Legislative Representative, PSC-CUNY and Researcher, CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies, and Alissa G. Karl, Vice President for Academics, United University Professions, Moderator.

Panel: Looking Back, Looking Ahead: State and Federal Higher Education Financing Over the Past Half-Century with F. King Alexander, Faculty Fellow, College Promise Foundation & Senior Faculty Fellow, Education Policy Center, University of Alabama, Sophia Laderman, Associate Vice President, State Higher Education Executive Officers Association, Fred Floss, Professor, SUNY at Buffalo & Co-Director, Center for Economic Education, Mary Taber, Director of Research, United University Professions, and Thomas Harnisch, Vice President for Government Relations, State Higher Education Executive Officers Association, Moderator.

Panel: Economic and Other Factors Impacting Enrollment Trends, 1973-2023 with James Castagnera, Adjunct Professor of Law, Drexel University, former Associate Provost/Legal Counsel for Academic Affairs, Rider University, Brad Litchfield, Assistant Provost for Finance and Administration, Academic Affairs, Montclair State University, Karina Salazar, Assistant Professor, College of Education, University of Arizona, Melanie Carter, Associate Provost & Director of the Center for HBCU Research, Leadership, and Policy, Howard University, and Nicole Bennett, Associate Provost & Assistant Vice President, Academic Affairs, Hunter College, CUNY, Moderator.

Panel: Annual Legal Update with Amy L. Rosenberger, Willig, Williams & Davidson, Monica C. Barrett, Bond, Schoeneck & King PLLC, Henry Morris, Jr., Partner, ArentFox Schiff LLP, Aaron Nisenson, Senior Legal Counsel, AAUP, and Brian Selchick

Cullen and Dykman LLP, Moderator.

Panel: Salary Equity in Higher Education with Johanna E. Foster, PhD., Associate Professor of Sociology, Helen Bennett McMurray Endowed Chair of Social Ethics, Department of Political Science and Sociology, President and former Chief Negotiator, FAMCO AAUP-AFT, Monmouth University, Annie Kopecky, Lecturer, University of Pennsylvania, and Barbara Bowen, former PSC President, Moderator.

Panel: Exploring the Retirement Income Equity Gap with Brent Davis, Economist, TIAA Institute, Alison Hirsh, Assistant Comptroller for Pensions and Senior Advisor, Office of the New York City Comptroller, and Valerie Martin Conley, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Idaho State University, and Anne Ollen, Programs & Operations, TIAA Institute, Panelist and Moderator.

Panel: Public Service Loan Forgiveness: Labor-Management Cooperation for Campus and Community Benefits with Jeri O’Bryan-Losee, Secretary-Treasurer, United University Professions Jessica Saint-Paul, Chair, Adjunct Faculty Action Committee (AFAC), Lead, Student Debt Clinic Trainer, Los Angeles College Faculty Guild, Local AFT 1521 and Winston Berkman-Breen, Deputy Director for Advocacy and Policy Counsel, Student Borrower Protection Center, Moderator. (panel in formation)

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2023 Donations

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American Academy of Dramatic Arts: Faculty Vote to Unionize

American Academy of Dramatic Arts, NLRB Case No: 02-RC-300215

On January 18, 2023, the NLRB tallied the ballots in a representation case filed by the Association of Teachers Training Actors (ATTA) to represent a unit of 55 faculty at the New York City campus of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. The tally demonstrated that faculty voted 34-2 in favor of ATTA representation.

The following is the at-issue faculty unit at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts:

Included: All non-supervisory faculty at the Employer’s New York City campus, including associate faculty, core faculty, guest directors (including guest directors affiliated with SDC), and summer-only faculty who have received appointments or contracts to teach at least one course or to direct at least one play in either the previous academic term, the current academic term, in the summer of 2022, or during the current academic year of 2022-2023 located at 120 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10016.

Excluded: All other employees, all core faculty who are department heads, managers, and supervisors as defined by the Act.

Yale Univ: UNITE HERE Local 33 Certified to Represent Graduate Assistants

Yale University, NLRB Case No.: 01-RC-305762

On January 18, 2023, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) issued a certification of representative to UNITE HERE Local 33 to represent a bargaining unit of 3,214 graduate assistants at Yale University. The certification followed a January 9, 2023 NLRB tally of ballots demonstrating that the Yale graduate assistants voted 1,860-179 in favor of union representation.

The following is the description of the new graduate assistant bargaining unit at Yale University:

Included: All students enrolled in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, including those affiliated with a professional school, who are appointed as Teaching Fellows, Writing Fellows, Project Assistants, Research Assistants or Research Assistants - University Fellowship; All students enrolled in a professional degree program in the School of Management who are appointed as Teaching Fellows with the Position Detail of Discussion Section Leader; All students enrolled in a professional degree program in the School of Music who are appointed as Teaching Fellows with the Position Detail of Discussion Section Leader, Lab Leader or Teaching Assistant; All students enrolled in a professional degree program in the School of Medicine who are appointed as Teaching Fellows with the Position Detail of Discussion Section Leader or Teaching Assistant; and All students enrolled in any other professional degree program at Yale University who are appointed as Teaching Fellows or Writing Fellows.

Excluded: All Teaching Fellows with the Position Detail of Course Assistant – Jackson Institute; All students enrolled in the Drama School and appointed as Teaching Fellows with the Position Detail of Class Assistant; All first-year students enrolled in the School of the Environment and appointed as Research Assistant – University Fellowship; All students enrolled in the PhD program in the School of the Environment and appointed as Research Assistant – University Fellowship; and All other employees, proctors, traveling proctors, office clericals, managers, guards and supervisors as defined in the Act.

Northwestern University: UE Certified to Represent Graduate Assistants

Northwestern University, NLRB Case No.: 13-RC-307313

On January 23, 2023, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) issued a certification of representative to United Electrical, Radio and Machine Workers of America (UE) to represent a bargaining unit of 3,000 graduate assistants at Northwestern University. The certification followed a January 12, 2023 NLRB tally of ballots demonstrating that Northwestern graduate assistants voted 1,644-114 in favor of union representation.

The following is the description of the new graduate assistant bargaining unit Northwestern University:

Included: Graduate students enrolled in Northwestern University degree programs who are providing instructional and research services for the University, including graduate assistants, teaching assistants, research assistants, and fellows.

Excluded: All other employees; graduate students who are not providing instructional or research services for the University; undergraduate students; graduate students not seeking Northwestern degrees, including visiting students; graduate student graders, tutors and proctors who are not otherwise providing instructional or research services for the University; Assistant Chairs in residential colleges; Residential Assistants; students enrolled in the Pritzker School of Law; M.D. seeking students in the Feinberg School of Medicine (including M.D./Ph.D. students in Feinberg who are in their M.D. phase of studies); students enrolled in the Medill School of Journalism; office clericals; managers; guards and supervisors as defined in the Act.

Johns Hopkins University: Graduate Assistant Election Scheduled

Johns Hopkins University, NLRB Case No: 05-RC-309139

On January 20, 2013, NLRB Region 5 issued a notice scheduling an in-person election on January 30 and 31, 2023 concerning a representation petition filed by Teachers and Researchers United (TRU) - United Electrical, Radio and Machine Workers of America (UE) seeking to represent 3,335 graduate assistants at Johns Hopkins University.

The following is a description of the bargaining unit sought in the petition:

Included: Graduate students enrolled in Johns Hopkins University PhD degree programs who are employed to provide instructional and research services, including teaching assistants, research assistants and fellows.

Excluded: All other employees; undergraduate students; graduate students not seeking Johns Hopkins degrees, including visiting students; office clericals; managers; guards and supervisors as defined in the Act.

New Graduate Assistant Unions: 2022 Data

As part of our research mission, the National Center collects and analyses data concerning unionization and collective bargaining in higher education.

Below is a table setting forth data about the seven new graduate assistant units certified in 2022. It includes the institution, the union, unit size, and vote tally. The specific unit description for each unit can be found in prior newsletters.

The table shows that the number of represented graduate assistants increased by over 10,000 in 2022 with overwhelming support for representation by non-traditional education unions.

Brown University, NLRB Case No.: 01-RC-310166

On January 11, 2023, the Graduate Labor Organization, RIFT-AFT Local 6516 filed a petition with the NLRB seeking to represent a new unit of 400 undergraduate teaching assistants at Brown University. The following is a description of the unit sought in the petition:

Included: Undergraduate Teaching Assistants (UTAs), Head Teaching Assistants (HTAs), and Meta Teaching Assistants (MTAs) in the Department of Computer Science at Brown University.

Excluded: All others.

California PERB: Electronic Signatures Cannot Support a Decert. Petition

Pasadena Area Community College District, PERB Case No. LA-DP-460-E

In a decision issued on January 11, 2023, the California Public Employment Relations Board ruled that under its regulations electronic signatures can not be used as a part of a showing of interest in support of a decertification petition. However, a recent agency regulatory change permit the use of electronic signatures in support of petitions involving “employees who are not exclusively represented by an employee organization.”

The National Center is pleased to announce that Brandon Mancilla has joined the National Center Board of Advisors, replacing Beverley Brakeman.

Brandon is the new UAW Region 9A Director representing over 35,000 workers in New York, New England, and Puerto Rico. He was elected to the UAW International Executive Board in the union’s first-ever direct election in December 2022. Previously, he was the first president of the Harvard Graduate Students Union - UAW Local 5118 in Cambridge, Massachusetts. His experience with Local 5118 began as a rank-and-file organizer. After beginning graduate school at Harvard University, he joined the organizing drive which delivered one of the largest private sector organizing victories in the last 20 years. During the 29-day long strike of 2019, he was on the strike coordinating team planning university disruptions. As president, Brandon helped build the new local with an emphasis on developing member-led committees to address contract enforcement, anti-harassment organizing, and campus and Boston-area labor solidarity efforts. Under his leadership, Local 5118 went back on strike and won a successor contract in 2021. Brandon has also worked for UAW Local 2325 – the Association of Legal Aid Attorneys in New York City as a local staff organizer. At UAW 2325, he led negotiations on first contract bargaining campaigns and successor agreements; conducted new organizing drives; and designed and led delegate and bargaining committee member trainings. Brandon was born into a working-class Guatemalan immigrant family in New York City. His commitment to building worker power comes in large part from his experience seeing how union membership allowed his family to achieve a level of stability and job protections that working-class immigrants in non-union jobs rarely have. He has a master’s degree in History from Harvard University and a bachelor’s degree from Williams College. He currently lives in Queens, New York.

Job Posting: University of Southern Maine

Scontras Center for Labor and Community Education Director

The University of Southern Maine invites applications for Director, Scontras Center for Labor and Community Education. Applications due February 9, 2023

Reporting to our Dean of College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Services, the Director will first help to develop, and then lead, the Scontras Center as a new, cutting-edge labor and community education/extension service. The Center will have a staff of four full-time staff by the end of 2023, including the Director, a Teaching Fellow, a Community Outreach Organizer, and an Administrative Specialist. The Scontras Center will offer labor education workshops, courses, certificate programs, trainings, symposia and conferences that strengthen the community at work, facilitate workplace democracy and organization, and address inequalities of power and wealth in the wider society. The Center’s mission is to serve both existing members and leaders of unions and labor organizations and the broad Maine working class, including low-income workers and Maine’s thriving immigrant communities. The Center seeks to serve as a popular education and training hub for workers to develop the knowledge, skills and organizing capacity to be full participants in democracy and the economy. The Director will oversee its administration and activities, build strong stakeholder relationships, and ensure its success based on best national practices of labor education/extension. In addition, the Director will build bridges with the USM community, working with staff, stakeholders, Board of Visitors, and a Curriculum/Programming committee to fulfill the Scontras Center’s mission, goals, and activities. 

The University of Southern Maine is a deeply personal, welcoming campus community. With a highly engaged student-centered learning environment, USM is a steward of higher education, helping drive the economic, cultural, and civic life in the communities where our campuses are located. We are committed to providing expanded access to high-quality education that elevates economic opportunity and contributes significantly to the vitality of a diverse society. 

This is a full-time position with an annual salary up to $75,000. The primary office is located on our Portland Campus with expectation of work/service on Gorham and Lewiston/Auburn Campuses. 

The University of Southern Maine is committed to developing a diverse faculty, staff, and student body. It embraces an inclusive campus community that values the expression of differences in ways that promote excellence in teaching, learning, personal development, and institutional success. Our Office of Equity, Inclusion and Community Impact supports the University of Southern Maine’s DEIA and Community Impact focused departments, committees, groups, projects, training, and events. USM encourages women, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and people from diverse racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds to apply.

The University of Maine System provides a highly competitive benefits package that includes: holidays, vacation and sick time; health, dental, and vision insurance; life insurance; short and long term disability insurance; a tuition waiver program for employee and eligible dependents; a 403(b) retirement plan; and more. Click on our Benefits Information Summary to learn more. 

Required Qualifications:

●    A Master’s Degree in the social sciences, labor relations, or a related discipline is required, with substantial experience in labor education or a related field. 

●    Minimum 3 years of relevant experience.

●    Ability to travel throughout Maine and to provide own transportation (fully insured vehicle), provide proof of a valid driver’s license, and compliance with Maine law regarding vehicle insurance.

Employees in the University of Maine System are required to comply with UMS COVID protocols which currently include, but are limited to, being vaccinated, obtaining a qualified vaccination exemption, and/or participating in regular COVID testing. For more information, please visit Together for Maine.

To apply please click on "APPLY FOR POSITION" at the bottom of this page or visit Dr. .

You will create an applicant profile, complete an application, and upload a cover letter and resume/curriculum vitae. Finalist candidates will be asked to provide a list of names and contact information for references. 

In your cover letter please address your commitment to equity and excellence in your own work, how it has contributed to inquiry and belonging, and how it would inform your leadership role at the University of Southern Maine. This could also include active engagement with employee resource groups/affinity groups and community involvement.

We will examine candidate packages on an ongoing basis as they are submitted.

All required materials must be submitted by February 9, 2023.

We are not able to consider applicants who require Visa sponsorship support.

Appropriate background screening will be conducted for the successful candidate.

The University of Southern Maine is an EEO/AA employer and does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender expression, national origin, citizenship status, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran’s status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities.

For inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Office of Equal Opportunity, Room 101, Boudreau Hall, Orono, ME 04469, (207) 581-1226, TTY 711 (Maine Relay System)

Job Posting: University of Massachusetts, Amherst,

Assistant Provost/Senior Director of Academic Labor Relations

Assistant Provost/Senior Director of Academic Labor Relations

(Hybrid Opportunity)

https://careers.umass.edu/amherst/en-us/job/516540/assistant-provostsenior-director-of-academic- labor-relations-hybrid-opportunity

Job no: 516540

Work type: Staff Full Time

Location: UMass Amherst

Department: Provost's

Office Union: Non-Unit Exempt

Categories: Human Resources, Administrative/Office Support, Legal Affairs

About UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.

Job Summary

Under the supervision of the Associate Provost for Academic Personnel, this position will work directly with senior leadership, deans, directors and department chairs in all aspects of collective bargaining and labor contract administration with the University’s faculty, graduate assistant and post-doctoral employee bargaining agreements. This position will have primary responsibility for at least one of these bargaining agreements.

Essential Functions

• Supports labor negotiations with the faculty, graduate assistant and post-doc collective bargaining units. May serve as the principal negotiator in collective bargaining with one or more of these units.
• Works with the Provost, deans and others to develop the campus administration’s position and proposals for collective bargaining with academic labor unions representing faculty, graduate assistants and post- doctoral employees; designs bargaining strategies, keeps campus administrators informed about collective bargaining developments, provides training for individuals involved in collective bargaining.
• Provides advice and guidance to academic deans, directors, department chairs, administrators and others regarding the interpretation and application of relevant collective bargaining agreements and policies that govern academic personnel matters.
• Leads or serves as a member of the administration’s collective bargaining teams.
• Serves on labor/management committees.
• Communicates with campus and system human resources offices, union representatives, managers and employees to resolve workplace issues governed by collective bargaining agreements including conducting grievance investigations, making recommendations for resolution of grievances, and providing general guidance to senior university officials relating to academic personnel employee relations.
• Performs research and analysis of labor agreements and employment policies at other institutions to inform labor negotiation strategy and/or policy development. Compiles and analyzes data and creates reports.
• Works to create a diverse and inclusive workplace for all faculty, staff, and students. Ensures that all personnel practices are valid and reliable, and do not have adverse impact on minority groups.
• Maintains working knowledge of, and ensures adherence to, University, state, and federal human resources laws and policies as well as collective bargaining agreements.
• Understands responsibilities with respect to Title IX, Clery and other compliance requirements.
• Understands and contributes to implementation of departmental and institutional goals for achieving non-discrimination and creating a respectful, inclusive environment that is supportive of diversity.
• Collaborate with other campus offices (General Counsel, Equal Opportunity and Access, Human Resources, etc.) in responding to complaints of discrimination and harassment as well as developing policies and programs for prevention.
• Safeguards and maintains confidential personnel records and files. Uses access to sensitive and/or not yet public university related information only in the performance of responsibilities of position and exercises care to prevent unnecessary disclosure to others.
• Understands responsibilities with respect to conflicts of interest and behaves in ways consistent both with law and with university policy.
• May represent Academic Affairs Executive area on campus-wide committees.
• Undertakes special projects as assigned.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certification, Licensure)

• J.D. or other related advanced degree.
• Five (5) or more years of professional experience, specifically in labor and employee relations and collective bargaining.
• Demonstrated knowledge of collective bargaining, labor contract administration and interpretation, regulations and guidelines that govern employment relationships.
• Excellent organizational skills and an attention to detail with an ability to resolve routine problems efficiently, effectively and independently in a timely manner.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to interact effectively, communicate clearly and concisely to articulate ideas, and create and maintain harmonious relationships with a diverse population of staff, faculty, and students.
• Ability to work both independently and to be part of an effective team with a highly cooperative and collaborative work style.
• Ability to read, understand, apply, and explain rules, regulations, and policies/procedures related to duties. Ability to understand and follow complex oral and written instructions and create effective and efficient work processes.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to organize, prioritize and manage time and heavy workloads effectively.

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certification, Licensure)

• Applicable work experience in higher education, including familiarity with employment policies and procedures in higher education.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

Typical office environment.

Work Schedule

• Monday - Friday, 40 hours a week.
• This position has the opportunity for a hybrid work schedule, which is defined by the University as an arrangement where an employee’s work is regularly performed at a location other than the campus workspace for a portion of the week. As this position is non-unit, it is subject to the terms and conditions of the University of Massachusetts Board of Trustees Non-Unit (Professional/or Classified) Employee Personnel Policy.

Salary Information

• Salary will be commensurate with experience.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume, cover letter and contact information for three (3) professional references. The search will remain open until filled.

UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, military status, or genetic information in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University. To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans. It is the policy of the UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.

Job Posting: SEIU Local 509 Higher Education Internal Organizer

SEIU Local 509 Higher Education Internal Organizer

General Description of Position:

SEIU Local 509 is a fast growing, progressive union representing nearly 20,000 state workers, human service workers, higher education faculty, and family childcare providers in Massachusetts. This is an internal organizing position in the higher education department of Local 509, and is responsible for representation, bargaining, and leadership development for contingent faculty and graduate student workers.

Examples of Duties:

• Organize members and recruit and train member leaders.
• Lead negotiations for contracts and agreements.
• Plan and execute campaigns and worker actions.
• Investigate member complaints and find appropriate resolutions.
• Communicate regularly with union membership and university management.
• Attend staff meetings and other related meetings as required.
• Engage membership in political and Local-wide activities.
• Support new organizing in higher education.
• Act in a support role for various union activities.
• Perform related work as required.

These examples of duties are not intended either to include or exclude all possible necessary duties.

Qualifications:

• Required:
• Commitment to the labor movement and progressive social change.
• Experience with internal organizing (as staff or a member leader) or issues-based organizing, or experience leading negotiations.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Excellent judgment, discretion, and decision-making skills.
• Meticulous attention to detail.
• Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office and Google Suite, as well as willingness to learn new technologies.
• Ability to motivate others and keep them engaged in work overtime.
• Ability to work effectively with limited guidance.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Willingness to work long and irregular hours, including evenings and weekends.
• An insured, registered vehicle, and a valid drivers’ license.
• Preferred:
• Experience working in a higher education environment (as faculty, staff, or union rep) or a graduate degree (in any field).

Supervision Received:

Works under the supervision of the Higher Education Coordinator.

Supervision Exercised:

May supervise interns directly; may on occasion provide functional supervision for other employees or members.

Salary & Benefits:

This is a union bargaining unit position. SEIU Local 509 offers competitive salaries (commensurate with experience) and a generous benefits package. Salary range is $79,491 to $90,051.

Application Process:

SEIU Local 509 is an equal opportunity employer with a strong commitment to diversity — women, people of color and LGBT candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Interested candidates should submit a résumé and cover letter to: jobapplication@seiu509.org

Open until filled. No phone calls please.

*The COVID vaccine is required for all SEIU 509 employees. *