EAST LANSING — Michigan State University’s tenure-system faculty are being recognized as a union, nearly two years after their attempts to have their own bargaining unit began.
A recognition agreement was signed by representatives from both MSU and the Union of Tenure System Faculty on Sept. 8, “following a neutral party verification confirming that a clear majority of eligible faculty submitted authorization cards in support of union representation,” union officials said in a release.
The new union of nearly 2,000 members includes all faculty appointed under the rules of tenure and holding the rank of professor, associate professor, or assistant professor employed by Michigan State University. Librarians without management duties are included.
“This is a historic victory for tenure system faculty at MSU,” the UTSF Organizing Committee said in a statement. “For years, we have organized to secure a voice in decisions shaping the future of our institution. With formal recognition, we can now join our colleagues in other legally recognized unions at MSU to meet administration on equal footing.
Union officials said this marks the first time MSU’s tenured faculty have achieved collective representation.
“We’re just really excited,” said Anna Pegler-Gordon, who is a member of the union’s organizing committee and a tenured professor in the school’s James Madison College. “This is a historic moment not only for tenured workers but all workers on campus.”
She said budget cuts and threats to academic freedom have reignited interest in unionizing, which she believes pushed the new union across the finish line.
“Michigan State University is committed to the collective bargaining process and our ongoing efforts to recruit and retain world-class faculty and staff,” spokesperson Amber McCann said in a statement. “We will continue to work with our employees to reach the missions and goals of the university.”
UTSF serves as a local affiliate of the Michigan Education Association and National Education Association.
Contact editor Susan Vela at svela@lsj.com or 248-873-7044. Follow her on Twitter @susanvela.
This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Tenured faculty at Michigan State reach deal to unionize
Reporting by Susan Vela, Lansing State Journal / Lansing State Journal
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