Union of Part-Time Instructors at Western Michigan University
Local 1903, AFT/AFL-CIO
Who We Are
Why did part-time faculty form PIO?
From 1998 through 2009, Western’s pay for part-time faculty was stalled at $700 per credit hour. Instructors had no protection against a sometimes mercurial administration and they had been, as individuals, unable to move the university toward a more equitable pay scale. In their first year of bargaining, PIO secured a 7% raise for its members.
How do we work?
In the US, unions protect workers by negotiating and enforcing a contract with their employer. The contract says how much workers will be paid, what benefits they have, their rights, and working conditions. After a contract is agreed upon and signed, it is legally binding and the employer must follow it. A union can bring forward issues, file grievances (a formal process for contract violations), defend workers with representation and legal aid if need be, as well as informally advocating for worker interests. Internally, PIO is a democracy. We hold elections for officers and all dues-paying members are welcome (and encouraged!) to help choose and accomplish the goals of the union.
I get the emails already. Am I not automatically a member?
No. PIO represents all people in our bargaining unit, irrespective of their status as a member. However, you must proactively sign a union card (or click here to sign up online.) You may also scan the QR code below:
If I am already covered by the contract, why should I pay dues and be a member of PIO?
Being a member and paying dues makes the union stronger and more effective at improving things like pay and benefits. Not joining makes all of us weaker – and only members can hold an elected position in PIO or vote on contracts, changes to our by-laws, and other critical matters.
As with many other organizations, the cost of doing our work is paid for by member dues. PIO relies on union dues to function. Dues pay for everything from staff, to office space, to training, to community events. Union dues also allow us to defend our members with legal aid if necessary. When people choose not to join PIO, it limits our ability to represent, protect, and support instructors here at WMU. Fewer members means fewer resources to help make sure you are treated properly.
Without a strong community of instructors with a strong union, we could lose all of our benefits.
United, we bargain. Divided, we beg.
Mission Statement
“PIO‘s mission is to increase the economic, professional, social, and political power of non-tenured part-time faculty at Western Michigan University through collective bargaining and thus to improve the quality of education at Western Michigan University.”
We are currently looking for interested people to be the Communications Officer at PIO WMU! If you are interested, please contact us at pio.wmu.kzoo@gmail.com.