A General Overview
Last spring, the United Academics of Ohio University (UAOU), the employee group at OHIO that has requested recognition as a collective bargaining unit (Union), submitted a request for voluntary recognition as a collective bargaining unit on behalf of all faculty. This collective bargaining process, which is defined and guided by Ohio Revised Code (ORC), is ongoing, and both parties are working alongside the State Employment Relations Board (SERB) to foster an environment that ensures a fair representation election and permits a free choice by employees.
OHIO's response to UAOU's faculty petition for representation (May 9)
On May 9, the University filed its response to the potential union’s request for an election. In order to help ensure that all OHIO employees are provided ample opportunity to engage in the collective bargaining process, Ohio University did not voluntarily accept or recognize UAOU as a Bargaining Unit; instead, the group was encouraged to follow the process outlined by ORC and monitored by the State Employment Relations Board (SERB).
Additionally, we have recommended a secret ballot election to ultimately determine whether a majority of eligible employees elect to form a faculty union and begin the collective bargaining process, or if a majority of eligible employees elect to continue their current relationship through established processes and obligations like those outlined in the Faculty Handbook and through the Faculty Senate.
The Collective Bargaining Process Ahead
OHIO believes that each and every employee should have the appropriate opportunity to share their voice and opinion on the collective bargaining process, regardless of their position.
The collective bargaining process is ongoing, and the matter is currently before SERB to determine the appropriate bargaining unit for employees.
In the meantime, we encourage all OHIO employees, regardless of their collective bargaining position, to continue to share their voices and opinions.