Dear Alma,

If we have a union, what’s to keep departments from reducing everyone from full time to part time?

Signed,

Wondering

Dear Wondering,

Alma can’t recall in her 85 years ever hearing of a university administration reckless or stupid enough to convert its entire NTT faculty to part-time, especially to thwart the formation of a union! Not only would it be counterproductive to the educational mission and effectiveness of the university, it would be illegal for an employer to retaliate in such a way.  That said, a union contract would give faculty the ability to negotiate changes to their hours and working conditions. I promise you that if any administration ever pulls a stunt like that, I will get off my pedestal and walk over for a stern conversation with the folks in the Henry Administration Building!

It’s not happening.

Love, Alma