Ohio University Faculty Members Have Voted to Unionize
Representatives from the United Academics of Ohio University (UAOU) announced Monday that unionization was approved with a 453 to 189 vote, according to a press release. The votes were counted at the State Employment Relations Board office in Columbus on Monday morning.
UAOU members join the more than 1.8 million members of the AFT across the country and the faculty at 12 unionized campuses across Ohio who are members of the AFT and the American Association of University Professors.
“I am looking forward to a faculty union that works with the administration to do what is best for students, faculty and higher education in Ohio and particularly Southeast Ohio,” Rachel Terman, an associate professor in sociology wrote in the release. “The work to get to this point hasn’t been easy, but the persistence and patience of OU faculty are a testament to our professional dedication.”
UAOU’s catalyst to a vote began when members submitted signatures to file a petition with the state in March 2024. At least 30% of the faculty had to sign off on the petition to make it valid, according to state law.