Management is trying to restrict members’ right to represent FAM
We have an important update for our members: today, we filed an Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) against management. This ULP applies to FAM-T (the faculty unit) and not to FAM-L (the librarian unit).
What: last month, management tried to introduce language that would restrict our members’ right to represent FAM. They want to tell us who can represent the union, and how. That is not appropriate.
As a union, we have a responsibility to uphold democratic principles and ensure that all members have equal opportunity to participate in leadership and representation roles. Restricting a faculty member who is returning to the bargaining unit after serving in a management role (e.g., as a department chair or dean) from representing FAM without clear legal justification undermines these principles and could open us to a duty of fair representation charge.
Why: We have told management repeatedly to remove this language from their proposal, and they have not complied. This has led us to file the ULP. Adding this language so late in negotiations is yet another example of how management is trying to delay the bargaining process and exhaust and divide faculty.
What does filing a ULP mean? A ULP is a charge that one party has violated O.R.C. 4117.11, the law that governs collective bargaining in Ohio. SERB (the State Employment Relations Board) will investigate the charge. We will keep you updated as this process plays out.
We remain committed to winning a strong, fair contract for faculty and librarians as soon as possible. We look forward to FAM-T bargaining on January 14 and will continue to work with management to resolve the articles that are still outstanding, including your top priorities (pay and job security).
Solidarity,
Your FAM Negotiating Team
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