ACT-UAW Local 7902 Members to Vote on Proposed Contract
A Message from Tokumbo Shobowale, Executive Vice President for Business and Operations; and Sonya Williams, Vice President for Human Resources
To The New School Community,
We want to update you on the state of negotiations with ACT-UAW Local 7902 regarding the part-time faculty contract. As we explained in our last update, The New School presented a significantly enhanced offer at the bargaining table. It is a comprehensive proposal that includes an average increase of 20% in total compensation in academic year 2022-2023 upon ratification of the contract (which includes a $2100 one-time bonus plus a 7% across the board increase). It also includes changes that will increase part-time faculty input into shared governance, funding for professional development, enhanced medical and retirement benefits, and more.
We encouraged the union to give part-time faculty the opportunity to consider and vote directly on this offer – and today union leadership has agreed to do so. The proposed contract will be put forward for ratification by union members and we hope that will happen soon.
In the meantime, union leadership has asked to meet with the university tomorrow to ask questions about aspects of the offer – and the university has agreed to meet at the union’s request.
The university remains dedicated to our mission of teaching and learning and to putting students first. We have put forward a contract that seeks to demonstrate our respect for and understanding of the value that part-time faculty bring to this institution and acknowledge the role they play in instructing our students. We encourage part-time faculty to read and carefully consider the university’s proposal as they decide whether to ratify this agreement.
As a reminder, our current proposal includes a strong package of pay increases, benefit enhancements, and professional development support, including:
- Pay increases for every part-time faculty member in Local 7902
- Dedicated bonuses for eligible part-time faculty
- Expanded medical benefits and paid leave
- A significant retirement benefit
- A unique path to full-time faculty positions
- Enhanced tuition benefits
- Greater opportunities to participate in shared governance
During this challenging time, we remain thankful for our community’s commitment to the university and each other, and wish each of you a safe and restorative Thanksgiving break. We will continue to keep you updated as more information concerning the ratification vote becomes available.