Inside the Faculty Union: Labor Relations in the University Setting

by Robert Engvall

Overview

This book describes the many experiences of a university faculty union leader. Interactions with faculty members and administrators are examined in a variety of contexts ranging from discussions about such mundane topics as parking on campus, to such meaningful topics as the nature of the union/administration relationship. Individual chapters will address important occurrences in the life of a faculty union leader, including the process of negotiating a new contract and the on-going process of representing a diverse membership with disparate goals and differing levels of devotion to the notion of collectivism. Each chapter features a "lessons learned" section which attempts to offer guidance for those who might choose to become a union activist themselves, or who might choose to offer advice to those who might consider it. While the book centers upon higher education, the concepts advanced might be equally applicable to a variety of organizations in which the eternal struggle between management and labor in a function of the workplace.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781475845082
Publisher:	Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.
Publication date:	09/30/2018
Pages:	140
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.40(d)

About the Author

Robert Engvall is a professor of justice studies at Roger Williams University, in Bristol, Rhode Island. He has written extensively about a variety of issues including those centering upon the "professionalism" of teaching and of the evolving "place" of the professoriate more generally.

Table of Contents

Introduction
Chapter 1- There is But One Truth, But That May Not Be Enough: The Foundation of Labor Relations in the University Setting
Chapter 2- Journey to the Center of the Worst
Chapter 3- The Great and Widening Divide
Chapter 4- Forget About Getting to Yes, How About Getting to Sanity
Chapter 5- Seriously, What Was She Thinking?
Chapter 6- Mind if I Park Here?
Chapter 7- Get the Brooms, It’s Time to Sweep Something Under the Rug Again
Chapter 8- Another Day, Another Dollar: Another Night, Another Dullard
Chapter 9- Boot Licking 101
Chapter 10- Merit in the University: The Unimportance of Being Earnest
Chapter 11- Negotiations: Let Them Eat Cake
Chapter 12- The Slow but Sure Recovery of Your Mental Health
Chapter 13- Mistakes Were Made
Afterthoughts: A Lesser Man’s Search for A Lesser Meaning
About the Author

Editorial Reviews

There are precious few such candid reflections from the insider perspective, so I’m thrilled Bob Engvall wrote one. Union president is a challenging role, one I played for about 30 years, so I often nodded knowingly while reading. Many of his observations, including some zingers, are common discussion threads among the many faculty union leaders I’ve known. The book is at its best when his reflections stem from particular incidents. Mixing acerbic jabs with wry humor and incisive use of other sources to cast light on the modern university, Engvall’s book should be read by administrators, trustees, and, of course, faculty.

Art Hochner