WE'RE VOTING YES FOR A STRONGER FACULTY VOICE AT SVA!
ELECTION INFORMATION:
When: Tuesday, April 15 to Tuesday, May 13
Where: By Mail
Who: According to our election agreement with SVA and the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), all faculty are eligible to vote who:
Have taught at least one course in Summer 2024, Fall 2024, or Spring 2025; or;
Have taught at least one course in at least two of the following time periods:
- 2022-2023 (Summer 2022, Fall 2022, Spring 2023)
- 2023-2024 (Summer 2023, Fall 2023, Spring 2024)
All faculty will be mailed a ballot on April 15, 2025. The last day for ballots to be received (not postmarked) by the National Labor Relations Board will be on Tuesday, May 13 by 5:00pm. If you do not receive a ballot in the mail by April 22, you can call the NLRB Region 2 office at (212)-264 0300; to request a new one. Ballots mailed Tuesday April 15, must be received back (not postmarked) to the NLRB by May 13.
If you have questions about your voting eligibility, take a look at our FAQ or reach out at svafacultyunited.uaw@gmail.com
WE HAVE A CLEAR CHOICE IN THIS ELECTION.
We have an important opportunity to build a stronger SVA by voting yes for SVA Faculty United-UAW as our union starting on April 15.
SVA is a special place and we’re proud to teach here. We bring our expertise into the classrooms to advance SVA’s core mission as a leader in the education of artists, designers and creative professionals. We care deeply about that mission and the quality of our teaching, which is why we also understand the importance of having a voice in the workplace.
In hundreds of conversations, as well as numerous town halls, faculty have pointed out that without a union, SVA can unilaterally change our benefits, we can work excessive unpaid hours, and we lack power to establish predictable compensation increases or more affordable health coverage for those who need it.
If a majority of us vote “YES” for SVA Faculty United-UAW, the administration will be legally obligated to engage in collective bargaining with us on salaries, benefits, and other aspects of our working conditions. We would elect a bargaining committee, vote on bargaining goals and ultimately vote whether to approve any agreements our elected committee reaches in bargaining with SVA.
With strong participation and support from the faculty community, we can bargain for a fair union contract that improves our lives and enhances our ability to focus on the quality of our teaching.
MORE ON UNIONIZED WORKERS MAKING A NATIONAL IMPACT:
Gallup: More in U.S. See Unions Strengthening and Want It That Way
Data Snapshot: Tenure and Contingency in US Higher Education
WNYC: Local UAW Leader | The Brian Lehrer Show
The Scientist: Unionization efforts pick up across US universities
NPR: Support for Labor Unions is at a 57-year high
The New York Times: U.S. Museums See Rise in Unions
Inside Higher Ed: New York Film Academy faculty members, staff unionize in NYC
UNION ELECTION FAQs
WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE?
According to our election agreement with SVA and the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), all faculty who meet the following criteria are eligible to vote:
Have taught at least one course in Summer 2024, Fall 2024, or Spring 2025; or;
Have taught at least one course in at least two of the following time periods:
- 2022-2023 (Summer 2022, Fall 2022, Spring 2023)
- 2023-2024 (Summer 2023, Fall 2023, Spring 2024)
If you have questions about your eligibility, you can email svafacultyunited.uaw@gmail.com.
HOW DO I VOTE?
On April 15, all eligible faculty will receive a ballot mailed to their home address with a ballot and mailing instructions. Ballots are due back (not postmarked) at the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) no later than Tuesday, May 13.
If you have not received a ballot by April 22, you can call the NLRB Region 2 office to request one, or reach out to svafacultyunited.uaw@gmail.com, or a faculty organizer in your department, for assistance.
CAN I VOTE IF I CURRENTLY LIVE ABROAD?
Yes, faculty currently living abroad who meet the eligibility criteria can request an address change to have their ballot sent to their international address by calling the Region 2 NLRB Office at (212)-264 0300.
IS THE ELECTION DECIDED BY A SIMPLE MAJORITY OF THOSE VOTING?
Yes, the election will be decided by a simple majority of those voting. We encourage every eligible voter to make your voice heard. A strong “yes” vote in advance of bargaining creates more momentum and a mandate for negotiating a strong contract.
WHEN WILL WE KNOW THE RESULTS?
The ballot count will happen at the NLRB Region 2 office on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, beginning at 10am. We will announce the result shortly after the count concludes.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE VOTE?
Once we win our union election, SVA will have a legal obligation to bargain with faculty over the terms and conditions of our work.
I’M ELIGIBLE TO VOTE, BUT DID NOT RECEIVE A BALLOT. WHAT DO I DO?
If you are eligible to vote, and still have not received a ballot by April 22, you should call the NLRB Region 2 office at (212)-264 0300 and request a new ballot before April 29. You can also email svafacultyunited.uaw@gmail.com for any help or questions.
