Why We Are the UO
Barbara Altmann, Vice Provost for Academic Affairs and Professor of French
January 7, 2013
In spring 2012 the University of Oregon voluntarily recognized United Academics as the union representing a majority of the faculty. Negotiations toward a first contract between the UO and the union began in December. The purpose of these negotiations is for the University and the Union to achieve a contract that fairly compensates Union employees and establishes clear standards for working conditions. While through the course of negotiations the parties may disagree over specifics or priorities, we share a common goal of reaching an agreement that best serves the interests of the University of Oregon and its many constituent parts.
The UO community is broad and complex. As the state’s flagship university, our community extends beyond students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors and civic partners in Oregon to include constituents in all corners of the world. The University of Oregon is a great public university because of the hard work and support of all members of its community.
In proposals presented in the first negotiating sessions, United Academics suggests that the current negotiations are between the “Administration” and the “Union.” We objected to the use of “Administration” and proposed using “University” for the following reasons: (1) In fact, “Administration” is not at the table. The two legal parties in the negotiations are the University of Oregon and United Academics; (2) The use of “Administration” suggests an adversarial labor/management relationship that we do not wish to enshrine in this negotiation process or in the contract.
There is no dispute about the centrality of faculty to the University. A great university must have an outstanding faculty. Our focus throughout this negotiation process is to reach an agreement that improves and enhances the University’s ability to support current faculty and to recruit and retain excellent faculty. At the same time, we must pay careful attention to the interests of the University constituents who are not at the bargaining table and to building a sustainable future for the UO.
These negotiations are taking place in a time of financial uncertainty and –as always is the case at the UO – in the face of limited resources. The University looks forward to working with United Academics to achieve a contract that will best serve the interests of its members and of the University.
Questions?
If you have any questions about the contract negotiations, please contact me at baltmann@uoregon.edu or (541) 346-2172.
