We’re writing with a brief update on our campaign – this morning, we delivered an Open Letter to President Rhodes signed by faculty from across SVA! The letter informed the administration of our hope to establish a constructive dialogue, and urged that SVA not engage in any attempts to delay our right to a timely and fair vote on unionization in the future. We also requested a meeting to discuss how we can best proceed in a constructive manner. 

On Wednesday, faculty delivered an open letter to President Rhodes, signed by colleagues from across nearly all departments at SVA!

Our next step is to file with the regional National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to hold a democratic election on forming our union. If  a majority of faculty vote ‘yes’ to SVA FAC-UAW, the NLRB can certify our union and SVA would have a legal obligation to bargain with us. We would then elect a bargaining committee, democratically establish our priorities, and begin negotiations with SVA for a strong first contract.

Academic and arts workers in the UAW, including faculty at NYU, Parsons (The New School), and Barnard College, have played a significant role in improving teaching working conditions across the city. We hope that SVA will choose to refrain from any efforts to delay. We will be sure to keep you updated as the process moves forward. 

Please feel free to reach out with any questions. To get more involved in our organizing effort to improve our experience at SVA, click here! 

Best,

Justin Elm, Art History, Honors, Visual & Critical Studies
Jensine Eckwall, BFA Illustration

On behalf of SVA/FAC-UAW Organizing Committee