The United Academics of KU (UAKU), representing approximately 1,600 faculty members, has announced a tentative agreement with the University of Kansas on a labor contract. This marks the first-ever agreement between the university and its faculty union, covering wages, working conditions, and other critical issues.
Key Takeaways
- Tentative agreement reached between KU and United Academics of KU.
- First-ever contract for KU faculty union.
- Agreement includes minimum salary structure with a median 13% raise for lower-paid workers.
- Protections for academic freedom and shared governance are part of the deal.
- The agreement prevents negotiations from entering an impasse, which could have led to a unilaterally imposed contract.
Breakthrough After Tense Negotiations
The announcement came on Friday morning, following a week of heightened tension in the negotiation process. Wages had been a central point of contention between the union and university management. Just last week, KU management presented its "last, best, and final offer" on wages, which some faculty feared could result in increases as low as 1% for certain individuals.
However, the university also maintained that many faculty members would see a greater increase, averaging 13%, if their current wages were below prevailing rates for similar positions in the region. The UAKU statement echoed this figure, noting the agreement will establish a minimum salary structure. This structure is projected to provide a median raise of 13% for several hundred workers at the lower end of the pay scale.
"This accomplishment represents enormous dedication and time spent by everyone involved in the negotiation process and sets the foundation for continued partnership and support for faculty moving forward," said Erinn Barcomb-Peterson, a KU spokeswoman, in an email.
Fact Check
- Approximately 1,600 faculty members are represented by UAKU.
- The union was approved in April 2024.
- Negotiations covered 37 areas of the contract.
Details on Compensation and Working Conditions
While specific details about a general wage increase beyond the 1% initially proposed by KU management remain undisclosed, the union emphasized the establishment of a minimum salary structure. This structure aims to ensure what UAKU calls "dignified compensation for all."
Beyond wages, the tentative contract also includes crucial provisions for academic freedom. These protections are vital for faculty members to pursue research and teaching without undue interference. The agreement also addresses shared governance, giving faculty a more significant voice in university decisions.
Job security and due process rights for employees are also integral components of the new contract. These elements provide faculty with greater stability and clear procedures for addressing workplace concerns, fostering a more secure working environment.
Academic Freedom and Shared Governance
The inclusion of "ironclad protections for academic freedom" is a significant win for the faculty. This ensures that educators and researchers can continue their work without fear of reprisal, which is fundamental to a robust academic institution.
Furthermore, the establishment of a shared governance structure means faculty will have a more formal role in shaping university policies and decisions. This move empowers faculty and promotes a collaborative environment between staff and administration.
Background on Impasse
The tentative agreement was reached just as negotiations were nearing a critical deadline. KU management had given the union seven days to accept its final wage offer, or face an impasse. An impasse would have triggered a 40-day mediation period. If no agreement was reached after that, Kansas law could have allowed the Kansas Board of Regents to unilaterally impose a contract on the union, bypassing further negotiation.
The Path to Ratification
The tentative agreement is not yet final. The next steps involve a ratification vote by union members. Following a successful union vote, the Kansas Board of Regents will need to approve the contract for it to take full effect. Dates for these votes have not yet been released.
Marsha McCartney, UAKU’s co-lead negotiator and an associate teaching professor in psychology, highlighted the power of collective action. "Every step of the way we have seen the power of collective action, united across rank, position and title, in order to strengthen our institution and deliver the best possible education for our students," McCartney stated.
Despite the positive outcome of a tentative agreement, the union also expressed reservations about the negotiation process itself. In their press release, UAKU stated the agreement was reached "(d)espite the KU administration’s ongoing demonstration of disrespect for faculty and repeated union-busting delay tactics." This indicates ongoing concerns about the university's approach to labor relations.
Faculty Voices and Leadership Confidence
Amidst the negotiations, a survey was circulated among the university community. This survey aimed to gauge confidence in the leadership of Chancellor Douglas Girod and university chief financial officer Jeff DeWitt. The results of this survey were initially expected to be released earlier in the week but have been extended.
The formation of the faculty union in April 2024 marked a significant moment for KU employees. Faculty members overwhelmingly approved its creation to represent approximately 1,550 full-time and part-time faculty and academic staff members. Negotiations commenced shortly after the union's approval, culminating in this historic tentative agreement.
- Union members will vote to ratify the contract.
- Kansas Board of Regents must also approve the agreement.
