Date: Thursday, March
13, 2003 10:37 AM Release Date: Immediate University of Akron Faculty Elect Akron-AAUP as Collective Bargaining Representative March 12, 2003 -- At the conclusion of two days of balloting, the faculty of the University of Akron have elected Akron-AAUP as their exclusive representative for collective bargaining. Akron-AAUP is a chapter of the American Association of University Professors, an organization of more than 45,000 members at colleges and universities across the country. In Ohio, University of Akron joins other local AAUP collective bargaining chapters at: Central State University, Cincinnati State Technical and Community College, Cleveland State University, Cuyahoga Community College, Kent State University, University of Cincinnati, University of Toledo, Wilberforce University and Wright State University. The election was conducted by agents of the State Employee Relations Board (SERB). From a bargaining unit of more than 670 members, 388 voted for Akron-AAUP as collective bargaining representative, and 220 voted for no representative. This 64% support of collective bargaining is in marked contrast to the last election in 1995 when only 29% voted for collective bargaining. According to Steve Aby, Akron-AAUP chapter president, "The last eight years have been marked by a growing concern that faculty have been denied an appropriate role in shaping academic, curricular and professional policies that affect them. This vote represents the faculty's determination to have a voice in these matters."
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According to Aby, the next step is to begin preparation for negotiating the first collective bargaining agreement with the university. "We will be contacting all the members of the bargaining unit to solicit their needs and concerns for the negotiating proposal. We will also be encouraging faculty to join Akron-AAUP in order to increase our collective strength in these negotiations." The successful election marks the conclusion of a campaign that began 14 months ago. In January, 2002, the Communications Committee of Akron-AAUP began collecting signature cards from Akron faculty. Nine months later, cards signed by 56% of the bargaining unit were filed with SERB. While the university administration opposed unionization of the faculty, Akron-AAUP leaders agree that both sides conducted their campaigns with a degree of respect and civility that augers well for future relations between the faculty union and the administration. |