Recently, we were frustrated–but not surprised–that a full ten minutes of a crucial Union meeting was devoted to publicly denouncing our caucus. Such tactics are disturbing, not least because they are commonly used by employers attempting to suppress union activity. We anticipate similar attacks will come in the future, and it is important to be prepared for them. The members of the Solidarity Caucus remain committed to building an inclusive culture of community, shared governance, and worker power at William Paterson. As we join together to address the intersecting problems of layoffs and top-down decision-making on our campus, powerful voices will continue to generate panic and anxiety. We must keep clear heads and pursue time-tested strategies that we know will be effective.
In the simplest terms, we have a problem at WPU and we want to take action to solve that problem. We encourage everyone to remain focused on the primary goal: preventing mass layoffs of faculty and staff.
This post serves to clarify some of what is happening on campus now, and what we can anticipate going forward.
MYTH: There are no alternatives to laying off faculty and staff at WPU.
FACT: University Administration has not granted faculty and staff full access to the complete financial picture. President Helldobler has accepted a raise from the Board of Trustees, and plans to move forward with a capital renovation at 1800 Valley Road appear to be underway. We don’t have enough data to ascertain whether laying off faculty and staff is truly the only available option.
MYTH: The caucus is endangering negotiations.
FACT: Elected Union leaders will continue to negotiate with the Administration. Collective action on the part of Union members will support those negotiations with the threat of real consequences; they will not negate what happens at the bargaining table.
MYTH: The caucus’ actions could lead to more layoffs.
FACT: The Administration is legally savvy. It would be illegal for them to lay people off as a retaliation for collective action and they don’t want to face that kind of public scrutiny. Threats about the caucus endangering jobs only serve to silence workers’ voices.
MYTH: The caucus will divide or weaken the union.
FACT: We are committed union members. We will be on the frontlines when the fight against layoffs begins. Our greatest strength is our rank-and-file membership, and Union leadership has been elected to represent us.
MYTH: Any public statements will jeopardize negotiations.
FACT: Clear public messaging is a key component of any Union campaign, and we have less than 4 months to fight these layoffs. Engaging with supporters outside of campus will put pressure on the University Administration and help to back up the Union’s negotiating position. What is more, the University is making substantial changes (such as consolidating two colleges) without consulting shared governance bodies like the Faculty Senate. It is past time to initiate a public campaign.
How do I learn more?
Email us with any questions: aftsolidarity@gmail.com
How do I join the caucus?
You can join the email list to anonymously receive updates about caucus activities. You can also decide to become a public supporter by adding your name to the member list. To find out more email aftsolidarity@gmail.com
Solidarity Caucus 