University faculty filed for a union in March, but this roadblock is still in the way

ATHENS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Several dozen red-clad faculty members and supporters stood out among the sea of Ohio University green at Saturday's homecoming parade, marching to draw attention to an ongoing debate between faculty and administrators.

The march was the latest public display of support for an Ohio University faculty union, a campaign that is entering its seventh month of negotiations with administration. United Academics of Ohio University and Ohio University have different opinions as to who should be included in the proposed bargaining unit.

Both sides have turned to the state for assistance, reaching out to the State Employment Relations Board for clarity as to who should qualify for the union. According to SERB documents obtained by NBC4, both parties were asked on Sept. 19 to collect information and participate in an inquiry.

The United Academics group and university officials disagree on whether faculty in the College of Health Science Professions and the Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine should be included.

University officials say their roles differ too significantly to be included. Aside from social work faculty, who would be included, faculty in these two colleges use clinical curriculums, which involve students training at affiliated hospitals, clinicals and other medical practices.

"The University has shared concerns that, as currently constructed by the UAOU, the proposed unit seeks to mix faculty from clinical academic groups that do not share a community of interest, similar working conditions and other terms of employment when compared to the rest of the general academic community at the University," Ohio University representatives said in a statement.

But UAOU director of communications John O’Keefe said the university's proposal shows a lack of understanding.

"UAOU has pushed for an inclusive union: one that includes faculty in all colleges, despite attempts by administration and their legal team to exclude most CHSP and all HCOM faculty," O'Keefe said. "The response we have received does not show much familiarity with the work that faculty do, and the nature of clinical and nonclinical positions."

O'Keefe said recent communications with administrators have also included attempts to exclude faculty who hold director titles, which he said UAOU also disagrees with. O'Keefe pointed to directors of various undergraduate studies, saying those roles do not manage any employees and simply help students in honors programs.

If both parties could reach an agreement as to who would be included, the union could move forward and file with the state to have employees vote on if they would like a union. As is, the matter must be settled before more progress is made, according to SERB.

“We hope to schedule a hearing with the State Employee Relations Board, but such hearings could be avoided if Ohio University administration and their legal team are willing to have a cooperative negotiation, and avoid further delays,” O’Keefe said.

Dan Pittman, senior director of communications, said Ohio University maintains its position and still wants a more defined unit. He said it will be up to the state to make a decision and said commenting further would be premature.

Of the 14 public universities in Ohio, only three do not have faculty unions: Ohio University, Ohio State University and Northeast Ohio Medical University. However, OSU does have AAUP Ohio State, an advocacy chapter that focuses on issues that pertain to OSU faculty and encourages national union membership.