GW FAQ: Your Union, Your Membership
Q. Why is membership important?
A. Membership is our single most important indicator of part-time faculty’s support for their union. If we are serious about getting access to health care and other benefits in future contracts, as well as more pay increases, we have to show GW that we have a strong membership base. If not, we may even lose the gains we made so far.
We also work with GW on joint union/management committees. Their willingness to listen to our concerns through these committees, and make changes we want to see above and beyond our collective bargaining contract, will also be influenced by how much support we can demonstrate through the membership numbers.
So sign up now, for $28 a month ($20 if you earn less than $5,000 annually from part-time teaching at GW). This is a mere $5 more than the agency fee amount, or the cost of a medium latte. This $5 investment will help ensure future gains in compensation, benefits and security in your job at GW. [Click here to see a chart of dues at GW]
Your membership in the union pays off in continuing improvements to your working conditions at GW.
Q. What are some of the non-economic benefits of my contract?
A. Your contract gives part-time faculty at GW a level of job security that has never existed before. Departments may only refuse to renew someone to teach a course under limited and clearly laid-out circumstances.
The Representation Department at Local 500 has already succeeded in getting back courses for someone who was unfairly cut (see Libby Smigel’s story in the September issue of The Bullhorn). Another part-time person qualified for the course cancellation fee mandated by the contract.
Also, GW may discipline or dismiss you for “just cause” only. This is a strong protection against favoritism and capricious decision-making by Departments.
Your membership in the union works to protect important job security gains.
Q. What is the vision for Higher Education organizing at SEIU Local 500?
A. SEIU Local 500 is committed to bringing the rights and power of collective bargaining all and any part-time faculty in the area. We are currently in negotiations with Montgomery College for a contract for their part-time faculty. We are also building a Coalition of Contingent Academic Labor to outreach to other part-time faculty in the area. If you would like to be part of this group please email Anne McLeer at mcleera@seiu5000.org.
As you know, the wage rates in the area for part-time professors are historically depressed. As we force the rates up in individual institutions through collective bargaining, the wage rates for the industry as a whole will rise in response. We believe that this effect will also be seen in any health care or other benefits we may be able to negotiate in future contracts.
Your membership is an investment in the future of part-time faculty in our area.
Q. I earn very little from GW. Will my raise be eaten up by my union dues?
A. No. Your raise adequately covers the costs of dues. When we were negotiating the contract we worked assiduously to make sure that everyone would come out ahead and that you got enough so that GW is effectively paying for your membership in your union. Membership for the fall semester is $112 and for the spring semester is $140 (if you earn over $5,000 at GW), the minimum raise that faculty teaching a standard 3 or 4 credit courses received in the contract was $550 per course per semester. For those teaching 1 or 2 credit courses the raise was $330 per course. Many people received much higher raises. For example, someone with a PhD teaching in the English department got $2700 a course before the contract. That person will now be earning $3800, an increase of 71%.
Q. What can I do now to support my union?
A. Complete the membership form that came in your appointment letter and return in the envelope provided. Or click here and download, print and mail your membership form today! If you have questions or concerns, please call Anne McLeer at (301) 740-7100.