That Union Thing
Faculty at the Philadelphia University of the Arts have their first contract since winning union representation in 2020.
They are represented by the American Federation of Teachers. The agreement calls for 11 percent wage increases for full-time faculty and 13 percent raises for part-time faculty. The minimum pay for a three-credit course for part-time faculty will rise from $3,500 to $5,000.
More than 30 percent of workers at the Hyundai plant in Montgomery, Alabama have expressed interest in being represented by the United Auto Workers. Workers resumed talks about unionizing during the pandemic, when hourly workers were forced onto the unemployment rolls while managers continued to be paid. They hope a union contract will address retirement security, favoritism, safety, and scheduling. Hyundai currently has six-day workweeks, last minute schedule changes, a 99 percent attendance requirement, and no sick days.
American Ballet Theatre dancers have voted to authorize a strike. Their contract expired in September and they are fighting for livable wages. ABT is currently only offering a one-percent cost of living adjustment despite no increases in the past eight years. At the current wages, 20 percent of the company would be below a living wage and far behind their peers in other companies.
