Who are bgsu-fa?
In order to promote shared governance, improve the conditions under which we teach and do research, and support the University’s academic mission, BGSU-FA are the collective bargaining agent for all full-time non-tenure-track, tenure-track, and tenured faculty at BGSU. We are affiliated with the American Association of University Professors (AAUP). The BGSU-FA chose to affiliate with the AAUP because, in its century-long history, the AAUP has been the leading voice for university faculty, protecting academic freedom, promoting shared governance by preserving a substantive faculty role in university decision-making, and advancing the standards of the professoriate. In accordance with its commitment to faculty autonomy, AAUP chapters are self-governing; chapters negotiate their own contracts, create their own governing documents, and operate as their members see fit. Simply, the BGSU-FA is affiliated with the AAUP because we share the same values. We want to see shared governance, academic freedom and professional standards preserved and strengthened at BGSU.
Do I have to join the union?
No. Union membership is voluntary by law. Our contract covers all full-time faculty, regardless of whether they choose to join the BGSU-FA. However, the BGSU-FA is a member-led organization. Robust membership is the best way to ensure that our chapter remains a strong, representative, democratic voice for all full-time faculty. In addition to providing the chapter with the resources it needs to bargain good contracts, seek legal counsel when necessary, and provide other member services, members participate in the chapter’s self-governance by, for example, running for chapter office, serving on the bargaining team and other committees, and voting in chapter elections and contract ratifications.
How much will dues cost me if I do choose to join the union?
Good question—we wouldn’t be organizing if it didn’t make sound financial sense. Our union dues rate is voted on by our members. Article V, Section A of the BGSU-FA Constitution specifies, “Dues will be determined by the full members at a meeting called for that purpose after appropriate written notice.” This meeting took place on Monday, April 16, 2012. Dues for 9 month faculty were set at 0.75%, while dues for twelve month faculty were set at 0.61%. These rates can only be changed by a vote of the members at a meeting called for that purpose.
How are union dues used?
Like any organization, our chapter needs resources to be effective. Our dues ensure that we can enforce our contract, educate our members about their rights under the contract, maintain our small office and an updated website, underwrite legal costs associated with members’ grievances, and pursue arbitration in cases where the administration and faculty grievants can’t reach a satisfactory resolution together. Some of our dues also go to the national AAUP to support its work as the professional organization for all higher education faculty—including its academic freedom investigative reports, research and policy work, congressional testimony on behalf of higher ed issues, and grassroots advocacy and organizing efforts. Lastly, union dues are used to retain legal representation, which we use in order to ensure the legality of agreements made at the bargaining table and provide additional advice in grievance proceedings.