REFLECTIONS OF A RANK-AND-FILE FACULTY UNION ORGANIZER AT A PUBLIC UNIVERSITY

VICTOR G. DEVINATZ

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DOI: 10.2190/X9GW-VR23-PHBF-2F1P

Abstract

Wheeler and McClendon's model provides an excellent framework for understanding the dynamics of faculty union organizing drives, many of which occur at public universities. Since few faculty members are ideologically committed to unionism, it is important to utilize the rational calculation path and the emotional path during the organizing campaign, as opposed to the political/ideological beliefs path. When collecting authorization cards, the rational calculation path can be effectively utilized, but for a successful election vote to occur, the emotional path must also be successfully used. Based on the author's personal organizing experience, this article provides tips, consistent with the use of the rational calculation path, for faculty union organizers to use when collecting authorization cards. In addition, there is a discussion on the importance of utilizing the emotional path to achieve a union victory in faculty certification elections.

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