Friday, May 23, 2008

Adjuncts & Unions: An Interview with Craig Smith of the AFT

Unions represent one of the best chances for adjuncts to obtain parity in pay, respect, and benefits.  Yet the relationship between adjuncts and faculty unions has also been troubled.  As I started to look into unions and adjuncts, it became very clear that I was in over my head.  There is so much information, so many parties are involved, and there is a long history—both recorded and oral—on adjuncts and unions that I am still attempting to figure out where I stand.  An accurate, informed, and intelligent position on this unique relationship requires time, adequate information, and analysis.  In spite of my relative ignorance, I firmly believe that unions represent the best and strongest hope for adjuncts to engage in collective action to obtain professional parity.  If you have any doubt about the potential and need for unions, I urge you to read Reclaiming the Ivory Tower and How the University Works.

In order to educate myself, share with readers, and facilitate dialogue, I am seeking and conducting interviews with various faculty unions and giving them a chance to represent themselves to adjuncts.  The first interview is with Craig Smith of the American Federation of Teachers.

How does the AFT define an adjunct?  Does a Non-Tenure Track with …

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