In a vote last week, 530 adjunct professors at New School University voted to unionize with the United Auto Workers, while 466 voted against unionizing, according to the U.A.W. There were an additional 87 ballots in dispute.
The union, which issued a press release claiming victory, says the 87 voters meet eligibility requirements, and is confident that the National Labor Relations Board will certify the union as the collective bargaining representative for the university’s part-time faculty.
The winning side must have a simple majority, or 50 percent plus one, according to the U.A.W.
Over 85 percent of the roughly 1,350 faculty members at New School University are part-time employees. Many who support the union say they are fighting for increased job security, better benefits and a greater voice in determining the overall direction of the university. They have also charged the New School with using delay tactics.
Final results of the vote are expected by the end of the week.
