Art College Faculty Votes to Form their Union with the Ohio Federation of Teachers
Last week, an overwhelming majority of the 154 full-time and adjunct faculty at the Columbus College of Art and Design (CCAD) voted to form their union with the Ohio Federation of Teachers, naming themselves the CCAD Faculty Alliance (CFA). They voted by secret ballot administered by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) after the CCAD Board of Trustees refused to voluntarily recognize their union.
“We could not be more thrilled to have finally won our union after months of organizing,” said Patrick Lay, an adjunct faculty member. “Having our union in place will allow us to focus on providing the best education possible instead of being bogged down by struggles to make ends meet or fighting to change an inefficient and inequitable system. It is a win-win for students, faculty and our community.”
Back in September, 2023, 72% of CCAD full-time and adjunct faculty submitted signed union cards to the NLRB, calling for the CCAD Board of Trustees to voluntarily recognize their union, as many non-profits and educational institutions have done. However, management refused to acknowledge the request, prompting faculty members to file for an election.
“We decided a union was necessary after feeling like our concerns were not taken seriously by management. The majority of faculty members at CCAD have no benefits or job security that extends beyond individual semesters. Our students stand to benefit the most from consistent instructors who have a voice in decisions that affect the classroom, which we believe is only possible through having a strong union,” said Carol Boram-Hays, an associate professor.