FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 24, 2025
Contact: Neil Bhaerman, nbhaerman@oft-aft.org
Faculty at Ohio University Win Union Vote
ATHENS, OHIO—The fight for job security, protected faculty voice, shared governance, and against low and stagnant wages at Ohio University hits a new milestone as nearly 800 Ohio University faculty members have the right to collectively bargain today after the State Employment Labor Relations Board certified that an overwhelming majority of faculty voted yes, 453 to 189.
Members of the United Academics of Ohio University join the more than 1.8 million members of the AFT across the country and the faculty at 12 unionized campuses across Ohio who are members of the AFT and the American Association of University Professors. The AFT is the largest higher education union in the country.
Rachel Terman, an associate professor in sociology, said, “I am so proud to be part of OU faculty coming together to vote yes for our union. I am looking forward to a faculty union that works with the administration to do what is best for students, faculty and higher education in Ohio and particularly Southeast Ohio. The work to get to this point hasn’t been easy, but the persistence and patience of OU faculty are a testament to our professional dedication.”
Despite repeated delays requested by the university to get an election scheduled, faculty organizers persevered, building an overwhelming majority of support for a union. Now, all eyes are turning to the negotiations table, where faculty will soon begin bargaining over job security, protected faculty voice, shared governance, and low and stagnate wages.
David LaPalombara, a professor in the School of Art and Design, said, “Faculty working conditions are student learning conditions. When instructors face unstable contracts and unfair wages, it impacts the classroom. Unionization ensures that faculty can dedicate their full energy to teaching, research and student success.”
“The best way for faculty to advocate for themselves, their students and their profession is to stand together in unity, especially in this time of political attacks on higher education. United Academics of Ohio University did just that when they voted to form their union,” said Ohio Federation of Teachers President Melissa Cropper. “We congratulate them on winning their union election and welcome them to the Ohio Federation of Teachers.”
Todd Wolfson, president of the American Association of University Professors, said: “In coming together to win their union, the members of UAOU are modeling the courage, leadership and solidarity that are necessary in this moment. They are standing up for their campus, their students and each other. Congratulations UAOU!”
Randi Weingarten, president of the AFT, said: “Today’s vote shows the Ohio University faculty want a real voice at work. Their perseverance is a testament to their commitment to the university and to maintaining the funding and resources their students and they need. While Trump and Musk continue to gut federal services and attack the whole idea of the college promise, we stand with faculty at UAOU in their fight for a fair contract that provides a safe and welcoming environment, ensures dignity and respect, and defends academic freedom.”
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The United Academics of Ohio University is affiliated with the Ohio Federation of Teachers, the American Association of University Professors, and the American Federation of Teachers.