There have been some important developments – in the last couple weeks of the summer break 2024 – with UAOU's petition for holding an election for a faculty union.
At the end of the Spring 2024 semester, we were waiting for OU's response to our request for a union election. Given our supermajority of support among faculty, we were hopeful that OU would respond in good faith and work with UAOU to let us vote.
Instead, OU has wasted time and money dragging out the process as long as possible over the summer. They've wait until the last minute of deadlines to submit their responses, which include inaccuracies, omissions, and a general misrepresentation of what UAOU is advocating for on behalf of the faculty--an inclusive faculty union.
Therefore, AFT-AAUP requested a hearing with the State Employee Relations Board in order to compel OU to do the right thing and LET US VOTE!
We are disappointed that OU chose to prolong this process, but we are not discouraged. We know we have the support among faculty, and we know what we are fighting for--a strong union and true democracy for faculty at OU.
We are moving full-steam ahead and are gearing up for a new semester of solidarity and action as we await our hearing date. Remember to wear red on Wednesday and/or your UAOU button!