What’s Next? An Update on the VT Labor Relations Board Hearing

Is the bargaining unit USU-NEA filed for, including over 450 frontline support staff, ‘appropriate?’ That’s the question the Vermont Labor Relations Board is tasked with deciding after two days of testimony wrapped up Thursday, March 29. The board said they expect to make a decision on or near April 27. What does this mean for USU-NEA supporters? If the board says the proposed unit is appropriate, gear up for our first election! This may happen 4-5 weeks after the decision comes down.

What does it mean if I am not in that first group?  As you hopefully know, USU-NEA continues to build momentum and talk to all technical and professional staff on campus.  In fact, we have talked with over 1,200 staff in the past year and a half. We are collecting cards and hope to file for a second election as soon as possible, so all 1,500 unrepresented staff on campus have the opportunity to have a union.  Have you signed a card yet?

It’s an exciting time as the process moves forward so get involved now! Sign a card, come to a USU-NEA meeting, visit organizers at a tabling event in the Davis Center, show your support and make your voice heard.

Click here to ask questions or request an “I Support” card.

Story about USU-NEA Goes to NEA Members Across the Country

Education Votes, an online publication from the National Education Association (NEA), features a story about USU-NEA’s efforts to form a staff union at the University of Vermont. The publication is read by NEA members across the country.

The story, titled “University Staff Organize for a Voice at the Table in Vermont,” includes a video of VT-NEA President Martha Allen, a photo of the USU-NEA table in the Davis Center and quotes from various USU-NEA leaders. Says Louise Lynch, an office support program generalist in CESS:

“By ensuring we have a strong, local and sustainable union, USU-NEA can be our best way to ensure we have a seat at the table about our economic future.”

Read the full story in Education Votes.

USU-NEA Election Update

Hearing with Vermont Labor Relations Board on Tap

USU-NEA filed for an election for 450+ front line support staff in December, moving UVM staff closer to having a union than ever before.  We are in the process of clarifying with the Vermont Labor Relations Board who will ultimately be eligible to vote.  The University is challenging the group, so an election date is uncertain, but we are pushing for it to happen later this spring. On Friday March 16th there is a hearing at the VLRB about this issue.

For employees in the Professional and Technical job categories, we continue to collect cards and hope to file for an election in the coming months. Click here to ask your questions or request an “I Support” card!