The United Academics of Ohio University hosted a “cheer-in” at Baker University Center on Wednesday morning. Faculty filled the fourth floor around the escalators and cheered on their bargaining team as they made their way to negotiation meetings with the university administration.
Matthew deTar, an associate professor of communication studies, was there to support his fellow colleagues.
“Our main message to the university is that we want to be working together to make this university a better place for students and faculty and to protect higher education at OU,” deTar said.
UAOU members expressed frustration with OU’s administration after they canceled two consecutive bargaining sessions in a row. The cancellation of these meetings was abrupt, deTar said, adding yet another barrier to UAOU’s goals.
“There’s been some cancellations of negotiation meetings, two in a row, which have been very disappointing because they’ve been canceled immediately before the meetings,” deTar said. “Faculty have spent time preparing for those meetings and found out that there is no meeting.”
UAOU has long been in a fight to unionize, with faculty and staff continuously trying to cooperate with the university administration.
A bargaining tracker is featured on their website, allowing the public to view and follow proposed resolutions.
“The next steps moving forward are to agree to a contract with the university leadership that makes OU faculty secure in their jobs and happy about working here,” deTar said.
Alexa Sanders, a sophomore studying psychology with a pre-physician assistant concentration, was one of multiple students at the event showing support for professors and the negotiation team.
“I really think students should care because, at the end of the day, this is their education,” Sanders said. “This affects their education, the quality of their education, and we’re all here to learn.”
UAOU is working with all faculty and staff to gather strength and support to achieve its set goal of unionizing.
Amy Roberts Leyshon, an assistant professor of instruction in the social work department, said she is new to teaching and wants the university to be open to conversations with those who know the history.
“I attended New Faculty Welcome last week, and UAOU had a table with shirts and information,” Roberts Leyshon said. “I was really interested because I’ve always been employed in unionized work, so I was really excited to hear about their efforts here.”
Students, along with faculty and staff, said they hope OU’s administration works to cooperate with UAOU and move forward in terms of contracts.
“I hope that everyone can get a fair seat at the bargaining table and have due process without continuous interruptions, movements and cancellations,” Sanders said. “Union Strong.”
