MSU-Bozeman faculty vote for union representation with MEA-MFT

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.aftface.org/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=508


(MEA-MFT (state affiliate of NEA and AFT) now represent every single faculty meber in the public colleges and universities in Montana)


Clean Sweep in Montana

The votes have been counted and the Montana State University-Bozeman faculty, tenure-track and adjunct, have made it clear that they want a union. With this vote, MEA-MFT, the state affiliate of the AFT and the National Education Association, now represents all faculty in the public colleges and universities of Montana. That's what we call "union density"!

Here is the MEA-MFT press release.

News Release

MEA-MFT, 1232 E 6th Ave., Helena, MT 59601
For immediate release: April 14, 2009
Contact: Eric Feaver, President, MEA-MFT, 406.442.4250

MSU-Bozeman faculty vote for union representation with MEA-MFT

"MEA-MFT is proud to welcome our newest members and local bargaining units, the Associated Faculty of Montana State University in Bozeman," said MEA-MFT President Eric Feaver today.

"All Montana public college and university faculty are now MEA-MFT. No exceptions. This could well be a unique event among public state colleges and universities across the nation. All of us here at MEA-MFT are excited and proud of our new members."

Tenure track and adjunct faculty voted separately, thus forming two separate unions, both affiliated with MEA-MFT. The votes were counted today by the state Board of Personnel Appeals in Helena. "Two votes, one faculty voice," said Karen Leech, an adjunct professor of Music who has given 37 years of service to the university. "We've had two elections and will bargain two contracts, but we are united. I am delighted with the results of both union votes. I look forward to working with my colleagues in improving our working conditions through collective bargaining."

The faculty Organizing Committee began forming in the fall of 2007 to explore the possibility of seeking union representation. Committee members, eventually numbering around 50 professors, spent two years visiting with their colleagues all over campus about workplace issues and the desire for union representation.

"We are interested in having a voice at the table with MSU administration," said Sandy Osborne, a professor in Health and Human Development and Organizing Committee member. "In talking with unionized faculty around the state, we saw that union representation ensures that faculty can work with administration -- backed by a legally enforceable contract that guarantees the rights of both parties. It makes us legal equals with administration. We decided that forming a union would help us do a better job of providing for our students and attracting highly qualified professors to MSU."

FULL story at link.

[pleah]

1. K&R

:toast: