Faculty Senate met Monday night for its April meeting to discuss the objection to the unionization filed by the university, recent updates and new resolution readings.
Michael Courtney, the director of labor and employment relations, spoke about the university’s decision to file an objection to the election for the unionization. Courtney said the decision was made after complaints from people who did not receive ballots.
“I know the numbers of those elected were pretty high, and I don't know if anything would change, but we feel like we have a duty to object in a sense of having (the State Employment Relations Board) reevaluate their process,” Courtney said.
Glenn Matlack, professor of environmental and plant biology, said 642 out of 796 eligible bargaining units’ votes were received. However, Matlack said if the 154 members whose ballots were never received voted against the unionization, their votes would still not overturn the outcome.
“There's no way a reanalysis of the vote could result in a different result, and that's obvious due to simple math,” Matlack said. “Why are we doing this?”
Other faculty members raised concerns about the rationale behind the objection, questioning the use of evidence and the potential delay in moving forward with unionization.
“We want to make sure at the end of the day, we get the right result,” Courtney said. “If SERB at the end of the day feels like the process was fair, then we'll move on.”
Ohio University President Lori Stewart Gonzalez spoke about the proposed Ohio House Bill 96 and its possible effect on Supplemental Security Income. Gonzalez said the bill provides a 2% increase in SSI funds with several amendments, including allocating $100 million based on how effectively OU retains its graduates in jobs within Ohio.
Gonzalez and Provost Donald Leo answered questions about the effects of Ohio Senate Bill 1 on the university and highlighted the email Gonzalez sent out earlier in the day.
“One of the most difficult parts about (Senate Bill 1) and the 'Dear Colleague' Letter is all the ambiguous language,” Gonzalez said. “We do not want to over comply … we’re really watching that very carefully.”
Leo also highlighted professors' academic achievements, the increase in research students and progress toward meeting R1 university status criteria, the Higher Learning Commission's reaffirmation of accreditation visit, and the ongoing dean search for the Chaddock and Morrow College of Fine Arts.
Greg Fialko, director of human resources benefits, then discussed upcoming insurance changes, plan rate projections through 2028 and the transition from WageWorks/HealthEquity to P&A Group for flexible spending accounts. He also covered insurance budget forecasts, introducing the new Captrust retirement program, pet insurance discounts and the university’s move to a new benefits consultant.
Multiple resolutions were introduced for the first and second readings.
For the first readings, resolutions were introduced to amend the faculty handbook's file appeal language, clarify bereavement policies, revise grade appeal procedures and create co-major certificates for students who complete 24 credit hours in a specific field.
A resolution read for a second time covered the expansion of experiential learning opportunities, as well as updates to promotion, tenure and merit policies.
Finally, the meeting ended with nominations and endorsements for Faculty Senate committees and chair positions for the upcoming election.
