PIO WMU FAQs
General:
What is a union?
A union is a group of workers united together to make decisions about conditions affecting their work. Unions work to advance respect, security, and economic justice in the workplace, as well as to advocate with other unions and for their communities. Once a union is certified, like the PIO WMU, the union is the sole representative for all of the members within a bargaining unit–that is, a group of workers whom the union is authorized to represent. This representational authority means the union can engage in collective bargaining (i.e. negotiating a contract) with management to determine wages and working conditions.
Who does the PIO WMU represent?
The PIO WMU represents part-time, non-tenure-track faculty on the campus of the Western Michigan University who are not in administrative positions that involve direct supervision of other tenured and tenure track faculty.
How many bargaining unit members are there in the PIO WMU?
This number fluctuates slightly as people retire, join the faculty, and move in or out of administrative roles, but there are just over 350 members in the PIO WMU bargaining unit.
For whom does the PIO WMU negotiate a contract?
The PIO WMU negotiates the contract of part-time, non-tenure-trackfaculty at Western Michigan University, whether or not a particular faculty member has joined the union. Similarly, the PIO WMU is legally obligated to represent the interests of part-time, non-tenure-track faculty in grievances whether or not they are members of the union.
For what and for whom does the PIO WMU advocate?
At its root, the PIO WMU advocates to ensure that the labor of the part-time, non-tenure-track faculty at Western Michigan University is recognized and valued. Because our working conditions are also the learning conditions of our students, and this impacts all our co-workers and our community, we also advocate for protecting and strengthening the conditions of learning at WMU, the value of the labor of all workers across campus, and the institution’s public good mission.
Isn’t there already a faculty union on WMU's campus?
There is! WMU AAUP represents full-time faculty on tenure track. In addition, the Teaching Assistants Union represents teaching graduate assistants. PIO WMU aims to work in solidarity with all of our labor siblings to ensure that the value and dignity of all of our work is recognized and supported.
For Part-Time, Non-Tenured-Track Faculty:
Who runs our union?
We do! Unions are democratic and all decisions are made through democratic processes. We nominate and elect our officers and stewards (i.e., those who liaison between executive leadership and the rank-and-file), and we vote on our contracts and dues.
Why join the PIO WMU?
There are many reasons! Joining the union ensures that you have a voice and a vote in all union matters, most importantly the negotiation of the union’s collective bargaining agreement with the university. In addition, by joining the union, you show the university that you support a strong contract for part-time, non-tenure-track faculty. Since this is your contract, you have a direct interest in strengthening the contract and having a say in its development.
What are dues used for?
Dues pay for things like our union staff, legal costs, office space and other necessary expenses. Dues legally cannot go to political candidates.
Can I be retaliated against for being involved with the union?
No. It is illegal for management to retaliate against or intimidate workers for being involved in a union. Further,state labor law protects our right to discuss unionization during work hours and on campus, so long as doing so does not interfere with normal work activities.
How do I join the union?
.If you haven’t already joined the union, you can do so by signing the following online union card: <Link Here for Card Sign Up>.
How do I get more involved?
Our union is only as strong as our members are involved in making it strong. There is a form on this website’s homepage you can use to volunteer for a variety of union activities, or to simply learn more about them. For those who want to consider serving in a specific role, whether as part of elected leadership, a union steward, grievance officer, or some other role, feel free to reach out to the current leadership to ask questions and learn more. In fact, always feel free to reach out! We are committed to creating a democratic union with as much participation by members as possible.
For Students, Parents, and Community Members:
How does the union affect learning at the Western Michigan University?
Student learning conditions are also faculty working conditions, so ensuring that faculty labor, in the classroom and beyond, is valued and supported helps to ensure prime learning conditions for WMU students. In addition, the PIO WMU makes a point of fighting for things that benefit students directly, both through bargaining and other kinds of advocacy.
How do I support the union?
Students, parents, and community members can support PIO WMU in a variety of ways. On our homepage there is a form you can fill out that will allow us to keep you informed of current campaigns, volunteer opportunities, and other related news. We deeply appreciate your support and look forward to hearing from you!