Update on College of Arts and Sciences Non-Tenure Track Faculty Union Negotiations and Strike Notice

In June 2024, the non-tenure track (NTT) faculty in USD’s College of Arts and Sciences voted to be represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) 721 based in Los Angeles. Since fall 2024, USD and representatives from the NTT bargaining unit have engaged in a process to develop a collective bargaining agreement.

The university will continue to bargain in good faith with the NTT union, as it has done throughout the process, and is committed to coming to an agreement that supports all members of the USD community. It is USD’s hope that the parties can come to this agreement as quickly as possible. The parties are still far apart on compensation, but the university intends to make a new proposal in the next bargaining session. While there are no guarantees that the parties will reach an agreement by the end of the semester, everyone involved is working hard to come to an agreement.

Strike Details

Members of the NTT bargaining unit voted to authorize a strike, and they have shared their intentions to carry out a strike beginning at 7 a.m on Wednesday, May 7 through 9:01 p.m. on Thursday, May 9. The university wants to ensure our students are able to complete the semester successfully. USD will work with faculty and staff colleagues to ensure students remain supported, on track to graduate and maintain their academic standing during the planned strike, which is critical for students’ financial aid and visa eligibility. 

Memo to campus community with additional information 

Information for Students

While we do not know of the exact plans of every instructor, we can assure you that if you have questions or concerns, the College of Arts and Sciences Dean’s office is open until 6 p.m. in Founders 114/117 on May 7 and 8 and available via email at casadvising@sandiego.edu.

Please be in touch with your specific instructors because some faculty will hold classes on May 7 and 8, some may cancel class, and others may have instructions for alternative assignments. The dean’s office will not know the specific plans of each instructor but will try to answer general questions.

Message to Students from the College of Arts and Sciences Dean’s Office

Summary of Union Demands

A summary of the demands from SEIU is included in the message below. They are organized by the economic proposals, non-economic proposals that have an effect on economics, and truly non-economic. This is not an all-inclusive list but provides an overview of the proposals expected to have the highest impact.

Memo from the Office of the Provost to Faculty Outlining Negotiations and Demands

Points of Clarification

Were people laid off or classes cancelled because of union efforts?

No. No one has been “laid off” or classes cancelled as a result of the unionization effort. 

The university still is in the process of finalizing a schedule for the upcoming semester and assigning instructors, as is historical practice. The assignment of instructors to specific courses will occur in July, once enrollment numbers and consequent course demand have solidified.

Has the university refused to participate in collective bargaining? 

The university has participated in negotiations throughout the process, beginning in September 2024, and has made itself available for all SEIU scheduled sessions. USD has bargained in good faith throughout the process.

Does the university fundraise for faculty?

Faculty support is one of the key priorities of USD’s fundraising efforts and the university’s generous donors provide significant support in the form of professorships, research support, travel grants and other programmatic support. Additionally, investments in capital projects and spaces create outstanding learning environments for teaching and research that benefit faculty and students.

— USD News Center