Letter to President Schrader from the United Faculty of Florida/University of Florida

Dear President Schrader and Trustees:

I write on behalf of the United Faculty of Florida-UF (NEA/AFT/AFL-CIO), the union representing faculty and professionals at the University of Florida.

Our organization stands in solidarity with the members of AAUP at Wright State University as they defend their collective bargaining rights. We are inspired by their brave actions, and we urge you to return to the bargaining table immediately and in good faith.

As AAUP-WSU has repeatedly noted, there are significant differences between the union and the board on health care, faculty governance, and summer pay. But at issue right now is the faculty’s right to collective bargaining—the right to negotiate the terms and conditions of employment.

Moreover, we are disappointed that you turned down the union’s offer of $8 million in concessions, a good-faith effort to resolve the contract dispute and protect the academic mission of the university, and have chosen instead to issue ultimatums.

Members of AAUP-WSU have conducted their strike with honesty, dignity, and clarity. They have garnered the support of many students, as demonstrated by the emergence of organizations such as WSU Students for Faculty.

We join those organizations—and a growing number of groups across the country—in supporting the collective bargaining rights of faculty at Wright State University. And, again, we urge you to return to the bargaining table immediately and in good faith.

Sincerely,

Raúl Sánchez, President

United Faculty of Florida-UF