News & Blog

02.11.19

Deal reached at Wright State; House Committee Assignments; Announcement of Candidates

Deal Reached at Wright State

Late Sunday evening, our Wright State University chapter announced that after a 20-day strike — the second longest at an institution of higher education in U.S. history — they had reached a tentative agreement with the administration and would return to work on Monday morning.

This was no small feat, as they faced a recalcitrant administration and board of trustees who seemed intent on busting the union. The strike followed two years of negotiations and a board-imposed contract that, among other things, eliminated workload agreements and any meaningful bargaining over healthcare.

We cannot thank enough our steadfast Wright State members, supportive Wright State students, and allied AAUP members and union brethren across the state for their solidarity. It is because of our collective strength that this difficult endeavor has been brought to a resolution.

This situation highlights big problems that we continue to face in Ohio higher education: boards and administrations that recklessly spend money on pet projects rather than focus resources on instruction; institutions — particularly open-access institutions — that struggle due to lack of state funding; and a need for more trustees with educational, nonprofit, and/or labor backgrounds who prioritize the educational mission and can negotiate in good faith with campus unions.

Congratulations, Wright State faculty and Wright State University! We hope this is the start of better days.


House Higher Ed Committee Assignments

The Ohio House of Representatives announced committee assignments late last week. The all-important Finance Committee holds special weight, as it will oversee the state budget process, which will begin soon.

Of special importance to us is the Finance Subcommittee on Higher Education, which will hear all higher ed-related testimony and make recommendations to the full Finance Committee. Because there is no link to the subcommittee yet, here is the list of committee members:

Rick Carfagna (R-Genoa Twp), ChairJay Edwards (R-Nelsonville)Rick Perales (R-Beavercreek)Bride Rose Sweeney (D-Cleveland), Ranking Democratic MemberAdam Miller (D-Columbus)
In addition, the Higher Education Standing Committee, which was created for the first time during the last General Assembly will continue its existence.

Senate committee assignments should be available in the near future. As always, we will update our members on the budget process and other higher education bills of relevance to us. Stay tuned.


Announcement of Candidates for 2019 Elections

We are pleased to announce the following candidates for the 2019 OCAAUP elections:

-Vice President: Marty Kich (Wright State University)-Treasurer: Cathy Wagner (Miami University)-At-Large Member from a public institution with less than 100 members or a private institution: Mitchell Eismont (Central State University)

Thank you to our three candidates for their willingness to serve the Ohio Conference.

Electronic ballots will be sent to all members in March.

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