OPINION: Ohio U faculty fear salary increases may be withheld amid union vote

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Assistant Opinion Editor, Alyssa Gray, shares some alleged news revolving around Ohio University’s faculty and their annual pay. This story will be updated as more information arises. Please note that the views and opinions shared in this article do not reflect those of The New Political.

An unnamed faculty member from Ohio University has alleged that faculty will not receive their annual expected salary increase this year, possibly due to pushback from the upcoming vote to unionize. Each year, the university typically announces salary increases for eligible faculty members in the spring. This past year, eligible faculty members were entitled to a raise ranging from 0.5% to 5%. However, faculty allegedly may not be receiving anything this next year. 

The United Academics of Ohio University (UAOU), has been persistent in its long battle with Ohio U to form a union. Ohio U and the Ohio State University are the only two public universities in the state without faculty unions. Since 2020, Ohio U faculty have been advocating for a bargaining unit. On Dec. 9, UAOU met with the Faculty Senate to discuss their demands. Following this meeting, it was announced that the union election is tentatively scheduled for Feb. 18 to March 8. 

However, faculty members were allegedly recently informed that no salary increases would be implemented due to the union election, raising concerns about potential administrative pushback. The upcoming election will serve as a critical moment for faculty members, determining whether they will gain collective bargaining power to negotiate salaries, benefits and working conditions. As the election draws closer, tensions continue to rise, with faculty members weighing the potential benefits of unionization against the university’s response, knowing that the outcome could shape their working conditions for years to come.

The administration’s resistance is a blatant attempt to deter the formation of a faculty union. This opposition is contradictory and alarming for an institution that prides itself on progressive and inclusive values. Silencing faculty through fear tactics undermines their right to organize and exposes the hypocrisy of the school’s commitments. True progressivism means fostering open dialogue and supporting workers' rights, not suppressing them behind closed doors. If the administration truly values inclusivity, it should welcome discussions on unionization, rather than resorting to intimidation.