The School of Visual Arts (SVA) in Manhattan has recently made headlines as over 1,000 faculty members have officially unionized under the United Auto Workers (UAW) after a two-thirds majority vote in favor. The faculty union at SVA is advocating for scheduled pay increases in line with inflation, compensation for out-of-classroom labor, and the protection and expansion of benefits.
Key organizer Justin Elm, an adjunct professor at SVA, expressed that the faculty’s decision to unionize was a grassroots effort focused on improving the school and upholding democratic principles. Elm emphasized the belief that teachers’ working conditions directly impact students’ learning conditions, highlighting the need for collective bargaining to enhance security, stability, and voice among faculty members.
The majority of faculty members at SVA are contracted adjunct workers facing challenges such as limited job security, lack of benefits, lower compensation, and inadequate administrative support. Elm noted that many adjuncts teach at multiple institutions to make ends meet, underscoring the importance of securing a contract comparable to those fought for by other adjuncts in New York City.
Faculty members also seek compensation for work done outside of the classroom, including class preparations, grading, mentorship, and departmental meetings. Elm highlighted the essential nature of these tasks to running a class, despite them often going unpaid. Additionally, faculty members face issues such as last-minute class cancellations with little recourse for lost income.
In response to the unionization, an SVA spokesperson stated that the school encouraged eligible faculty to participate in the election and is committed to bargaining in good faith with the faculty union. However, the school’s administration initially took an anti-union stance, with a webpage outlining perceived drawbacks of unionizing, including union dues, striking implications, and the possibility of financial strain on arts institutions.
Despite the administration’s initial resistance, the faculty union organizers, including Edwin Rivera-Arias, expressed optimism about the future of negotiations. They acknowledged the school’s efforts to disseminate anti-union information but noted that President David Rhodes has acknowledged the union win and pledged to bargain in good faith.
Overall, the unionization of faculty at SVA represents a significant milestone in addressing the challenges faced by adjunct workers and advocating for fair treatment, compensation, and benefits. As negotiations progress, both faculty members and the administration will work towards creating a more equitable and supportive environment for all members of the SVA community.
