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Formation of Ohio University faculty union delayed by disputes over membership
By: Shane Scalfaro
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ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB) — A dispute between Ohio University administrators and faculty over who can join a proposed union means an election likely won’t happen until spring semester.
Last week, a lawyer working with union organizers sent a letter to the State Employment Relations Board responding to the university’s attempt to exclude many medical and health science faculty.
The university’s argument is these faculty also hold clinical positions with other institutions so they shouldn’t be included.
Union organizers say this would end up excluding 20% of faculty for what amounts to 35 clinical positions.
The university has also tried to add “directors and those holding multiple appointments” to those excluded.
Organizers argue there is precedent for having a union that represents different kinds of faculty. They agree that faculty who supervise other employees can be excluded but argue the university is being vague on how to define these positions.
The university also questions whether a majority of faculty wants a union and has requested a secret ballot that would poll faculty on this question. The SERB has yet to rule on the request.
SERB’s next step in the process is to hold a conference call in the upcoming weeks with both parties to discuss outstanding issues.
Hearings over the disputed issues will most likely happen before a faculty election takes place. A first hearing could take place in late October or November.
This means the earliest time for an election would be spring semester 2025.