Bouncing Back from Layoffs

What have I gotten myself into?

Bouncing back from layoffs and cuts with the help of the union

5 academic programs cut. 25 faculty let go. 30 grievances filed on behalf of members.

Over the course of the 2014-2015 academic year, it appeared that the University of Southern Maine (USM) was always on the television or radio, or that something negative was being written about USM in the local newspaper. Everything at USM was bad—or so people seemed to believe. The faculty was uncooperative, misguided, unaware, or simply not interested in the issues that the University was facing. The students were just a load of rebellious trouble makers who disrupted Board of Trustee meetings, held noisy protesters, and were being misled by the faculty.

Fast forward to today.

Despite this traumatic time at the University of Southern Maine, over the past two years there have been numerous positive changes and significant progress. For example, the Executive Committee of the Associated Facilities of the Universities of Maine (AFUM—the MEA union for higher education), and the University of Southern Maine meets bi-weekly with the President, Provost, and Labor Relations Manager. The reason this is so significant is that previously the Administration and AFUM met only when there was a disagreement or conflict. There was no attempt to work collaboratively. It was like two boxers in a heavy weight contest. All we were trying to do was hit our opponent as hard and as often as we could.

However, now both parties bring to the table their respective concerns. There is a willingness to share and exchange ideas. We listen to one another; we offer different perspectives on the issue. Frequently, when I was called upon as the grievance representative, it was usually to inform me that a faculty member was being disciplined and they needed my presence. In other words, there was no discussion, no meeting, no attempt to resolve differences. This process too has changed, for the better thanks to an improved relationship with the Human Resources Department.

Not only has Human Resources been much more willing to work with AFUM, but so too have the Deans of the respective colleges at the University. It used to feel that AFUM was only called into meetings when a member was going to be disciplined. AFUM was an afterthought. However, now AFUM will receive an e-mail or a call from a Dean asking us to meet with him or her prior to a meeting

By: Paul Johnson, USM

with a faculty member. We are then asked if we will meet with the faculty member and then accompany the faculty member at the meeting.

The reason this is significant is up until about two years ago there was an attitude that the faculty member was in the wrong and the purpose of the meeting was to reprimand the faculty member. The issue was very black and white. However, there now seems to be more of a willingness on the part of the University to look at issues in a much more thoughtful manner. It is not a matter of being right or wrong, but attempting to understand what is going on in the School or the Department. How did we reach this point? The administration now seems far more committed to getting involved in Department and School issues. I am not talking about the day to day running of a Department, but rather the culture of the Department, how faculty and staff work together and treat one another. The President of the University has asserted that he wants: “The University of Southern Maine to be designated one of the Best Places in Maine to Work. “ In the work that AFUM and Human Resources have undertaken together, it has become apparent that faculty are not aware of many of the programs and services that Human Resources provide or of AFUM’s role in the whole process. Many faculty members are not aware of the Collective Bargaining Agreement and the many protections it affords faculty. Hence, the intent over the course of the next academic year, 2017-2018, is that Human Resources and AFUM will meet with every Department and School at the University and provide faculty with information about the numerous services each group provides. Again, this is another positive attempt on the part of the University to work with and engage the faculty.

Way forward

So how can we continue to move forward and work together for the benefit of all those who work at USM and, more importantly, the students who attend the University. I would assert that there needs to be a collaborative model. The past few years has taught us that nothing will work if people think decisions have been imposed upon them. Over the past year at USM, we have heard frequently the phrase “The University for All.” If this is going to be a reality and not just a slogan, then we all need to be actively engaged.