collective bargaining
collective bargaining on Wazzu: a running collection of 3 stories we have gathered and hand-picked because they are worth your time. Every post here touches on collective bargaining in some way — the news, the analysis, the deep dives, and the occasional surprise find. Washington State University (WSU) is a leading public land-grant research university in Pullman, WA, known for its strong programs in agriculture, environmental science,… New stories are added to this page as we find them, so check back if you want to keep up with what is happening around collective bargaining, or subscribe to the RSS feed to get them as soon as they are published. Browse the collection below, or head back to the homepage to see everything Wazzu is covering right now.
Labor Watch: New York AG Slams St. John’s Suit, Cal State Unions Keep Fighting
## Labor Watch: Key Updates on Union Battles & Bargaining Efforts This month's Labor Watch focuses on critical developments across higher education, highlighting ongoing union struggles and the push for better working conditions. At the forefront is a significant legal setback for St. John's University, as New York Attorney General Letitia James has sharply criticized the university’s legal tactics in a labor dispute. This intervention underscores the increasing scrutiny of institutions attempting to circumvent collective bargaining rights. Simultaneously, unions representing faculty and staff at California State University (Cal State) remain steadfast in their negotiations, continuing to advocate for fair wages and improved benefits. Mediation efforts are underway, signaling a potential path toward resolution after months of protracted bargaining. The dedication of these unions reflects a broader trend of increased worker activism within the public university system. Beyond these headline cases, the labor landscape is shifting. Auburn University faculty are formally organizing to challenge recent policy changes, demonstrating a proactive response to administrative actions. Meanwhile, institutions like the University of Houston are grappling with budget constraints, as evidenced by recent cuts impacting core course offerings – a situation that invariably impacts faculty workload and job security. For a deeper look at how these cuts are impacting students and faculty, check out our recent article, "University of Houston Cuts 40% of Core Courses." This Labor Watch aims to provide a concise overview of these evolving situations, emphasizing the ongoing fight for worker rights and the challenges facing higher education institutions nationwide.
Labor Watch: Big SUNY Contract Ratified, AAUP Dives Into Politics
## Labor Watch: Big SUNY Contract Ratified, AAUP Dives Into Politics - A Quick Update Things are shifting in higher education labor relations, and here’s the lowkey scoop. The biggest news? A significant contract has been ratified at SUNY (State University of New York), a win for faculty and a solid indicator of growing momentum in union negotiations nationwide. This contract, secured after dedicated bargaining, likely addresses key areas like compensation, workload, and job security—all critical for supporting faculty and ultimately, student success. Beyond the SUNY victory, the landscape remains active. We’re seeing increased union activity across various institutions. Notably, skilled trade workers at California State University recently disrupted a board meeting to amplify their demands, demonstrating a willingness to take direct action. Simultaneously, faculty at Howard Community College have filed an unfair labor practice charge, signaling a potential legal challenge. The American Association of University Professors (AAUP) is also stepping up, increasingly engaging in broader political conversations surrounding higher education funding and policy. This expanded role suggests a strategic move to influence systemic changes impacting faculty rights and working conditions. For those interested in the broader implications of food insecurity on student success, check out our recent article, "Food Recovery Fuels Student Success." It's a busy time for labor in higher ed, and we’ll keep you locked in on these developments. Expect more bumps in the road, but also expect progress—it’s all part of the process.
Portland State Will Lay Off 36 Employees, Close 2 Departments
## Portland State University Faces Significant Cuts: 36 Employees to be Laid Off, Two Departments Closed Portland State University (PSU) announced a difficult but necessary restructuring plan Tuesday, responding to a $35 million budget shortfall projected over the next two years. The “final plan,” reached after negotiations with the faculty union, will result in the elimination of 36 positions and the closure of two academic departments. This decision marks a significant moment for the university and its community, highlighting the ongoing financial challenges facing higher education institutions nationwide. The cuts are designed to stabilize PSU’s finances and ensure the university’s long-term viability. While details surrounding the specific departments impacted remain forthcoming, the scale of the layoffs underscores the severity of the financial pressures. PSU joins a growing number of institutions grappling with declining enrollment, reduced state funding, and increased operational costs. This situation also brings into sharp focus broader accountability measures impacting higher education. As explored in a recent article, "How Soon Could Colleges Lose Loan Access Under New Accountability Metric?", institutions are facing increased scrutiny and potential consequences related to financial performance and student outcomes. The university is committed to supporting affected employees through this transition and is engaging with stakeholders to mitigate the impact on students and programs. Further information regarding the department closures and support resources will be released in the coming days.