In The Union There Is Strength

by Chester Hartman
Department of Sociology

That old saw still rings true. We part-timers at GWU succeeded in forming a union – the start of a regional (Montgomery College has now organized as well and is currently in contract negotiations) and nation-wide movement to protect the rights of non-tenured faculty.

All part-time GWU faculty members are now represented by Local 500. That is something everyone needs to realize – if you are represented by our bargaining unit, you must affiliate in some form with Local 500 as a condition of employment.

Two options exist for affiliation: formal union membership and what is known as “agency” status. The latter takes into account that you are receiving benefits (both material and non-material) from our unionization and therefore should contribute financially to cover the actual costs the union incurs (staff time and other expenditures) in representing your interests.

But we very much hope you will opt for the alternative – formal membership in Local 500. The difference is really important. Not only does it reflect your understanding and commitment both to the concept and institution of workers being organized, as well as acknowledgment of the considerable tangible benefits that we have won to date, plus those now in progress (mainly the possibility of family medical coverage, the details of which are being hashed out by a joint labor-management committee). But formal membership by a large portion of the part-time faculty sends an undeniable signal to the University Administration that we are serious, that we are strong – which will be of special importance when, in just over a year’s time, we return to re-negotiate our contract.

There is a cost difference between the two options, but it is small. If you choose formal membership, your monthly dues will be slightly higher – $5 per month – but there’s no question that it is a sound investment in your future and that of your 1,100+ colleagues.

I very much hope you will become a member of Local 500, as I am. I spent many productive hours as a member of the Contract Action Team that negotiated our first-rate contract. To keep us strong and productive, we need lots of you to sign up as formal members of Local 500. If you have any comments or questions, please email me at Chartman@prrac.org.

To join the union, complete the membership application that came with your appointment letter or click here. If you did not receive a membership application please call Anne McLeer at 301 740-7122 or email her at mcleera@seiu500.org.