As we continue bargaining our first contract with the SVA administration, please take a moment to sign our open letter calling for the restoration of previous changes to our annual raises and 401k benefits, and in support of a fair first contract. Help demonstrate that a strong majority support our effort, and that we’re all engaged in bargaining.

Add your name to urge the SVA administration that faculty deserve a strong first contract, and to restore our retirement benefit!

The administration’s unilateral decision to eliminate key benefits last summer damages the total compensation of our work, even though the value we bring as the entire faculty body means our teaching is more critical than ever. Eroding the faculty’s financial security only serves to undermine our ability to focus on the fulfillment of SVA’s important mission.

In May, faculty voted by an overwhelming majority of 77% in favor of forming a union. We were encouraged by how quickly the administration recognized our majority and committed to bargain in good faith. However, many faculty are now facing a far more precarious financial position in fulfilling our critical teaching duties – both due to the rising cost of living in the tri-state area, and without annual increases and stable benefits to help plan for the future. This contributes to the urgency of reaching a strong contract, and addressing the suspension of last year’s annual raises, and benefits.

We therefore urge SVA to make all efforts to reach a strong contract that enables faculty to continue fulfilling the school’s educational mission in the arts.

If you are interested in getting more involved in our union’s ongoing efforts, please click here to let us know, or respond directly.

Best,

Hans Tammen, MFA Computer Arts
on behalf of SVA/FAC-UAW Organizing Committee