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USC faculty move to unionize
USC professors Sanjay Madhav (left) and Kate Levin delivered a petition to USC administrators to recognize their union of adjunct, part time, and full-time non tenured university faculty
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Adolfo Guzman-Lopez/LAist
)
Topline:
Full- and part-time professors filed a petition with USC administrators and the National Labor Relations Board on Tuesday to form a union in an effort to negotiate for better wages, benefits, and job security.
Why now: Some faculty say there’s little transparency about USC’s finances and how the private university budget leads to decisions about salaries and benefits.
The union that would represent faculty: The petition seeks representation by United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America — the UAW. The university could recognize the union outright without a vote.
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USC said it does not believe its faculty needs a union.
Other unionization efforts: Earlier this year, adjunct faculty at USC’s School of Cinematic Arts and post-doctoral workers voted to unionize. In 2023, USC graduate students formed a union of about 3,400 people.
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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