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2005: Resolutions Concerning Rutgers University
Council member Karen Thompson, a part-time faculty member at Rutgers, requested that a number of stipulations in the resolution be removed and that the issue of a proposed moratorium on joint affiliations with labor organizations be addressed separately from the Rutgers chapter petitions. The proposed resolution was revised and adopted by the Council in two parts, as follows.
1. The Council approved the following resolution imposing a three-year moratorium on affiliations by AAUP collective bargaining chapters with labor organizations:
Whereas, the AAUP Council accords due deference to the historic autonomy of AAUP chapters in the management of their affairs; at the same time, it must assess the effects on the AAUP of the dilution of the AAUP's organizational identity and the importance of that identity in accomplishing the central mission of the Association;
Be it resolved that, with the exception of the Rutgers Council of Chapters and the Part-Time Lecturers Chapter of the AAUP, the Council declares a three-year moratorium on affiliations by AAUP collective bargaining chapters with labor organizations. During this three-year moratorium, the Council commits to inviting discussions with the American Federation of Teachers and with the National Education Association about our organizational interactions and how best the AAUP can work with each of those organizations to accomplish shared objectives.
2. The Council approved the following resolution granting the petitions of the Rutgers chapters to seek joint affiliation for a three-year period with the American Federation of Teachers and the AAUP, under the conditions stipulated in the resolution:
Whereas, the AAUP Council has before it petitions from the Rutgers Council of AAUP Chapters (full-time faculty and TA-GA unit) and the Rutgers Part-Time Lecturers Chapter of the AAUP seeking the Council's approval of a joint affiliation by both organizations with the American Federation of Teachers;
Whereas, the AAUP Council accords due deference to the historic autonomy of AAUP chapters in the management of their affairs; at the same time, it must assess the effects on the AAUP of the dilution of the AAUP's organizational identity and the importance of that identity in accomplishing the central mission of the Association;
Whereas, the AAUP Council, in weighing these diverse considerations, gives substantial weight to the affirmations of the Rutgers Council and the Part-Time Lecturers Chapter that the joint affiliations are for a three-year period and to their pledge to the AAUP members that there will be no dues increase;
Be it resolved, the Council approves both petitions with the following understandings, to protect the interests of the national organization and its members:
a. The joint affiliations shall be for the three-year period that was voted upon by the members of the Rutgers bargaining units.
b. Representatives of the chapters and of this Council (or its designees) shall agree upon procedures for national AAUP involvement with both chapters during the trial period. These procedures shall include adherence to procedures adopted by this Council regarding the standards of practice and conduct expected of chapters in pursuing the possibility of a joint affiliation, including regular communication by the national organization with its members at Rutgers, by electronic and other means, and the appointment of a facilitator to enhance discussions between the chapter(s) and the national AAUP concerning future membership referendums on maintaining dual affiliation, to be conducted during the spring semester preceding the expiration of the agreements.
c. Consistent with AAUP policy, full dues will continue to be paid by the Rutgers Council for the duration of the trial period.
d. The Part-Time Lecturers Chapter of the AAUP has included in its petition a request for a reduction of AAUP dues in an unspecified amount. The request was not accompanied by sufficient justification to satisfy the criteria set forth in the applicable policy document, and we therefore reject this part of the petition, and likewise understand that full dues will continue to be paid.
