UNH Today

Dear University Community,

We think it is important to let the university community know that many staff members are against the efforts being taken by some of our colleagues to form a union. We already have a great place to work! We do not need to win the right to bargain for pay, benefits, working conditions and job security. Forming a union will not give everyone a choice and a voice.

There has been a lot of conversation around changes to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The misconception has been that having a union represent us would have prevented these changes. FLSA is a federal law; a union has no way to overturn federal law. UNH was very thoughtful and strategic with their processes to meet the requirements of the FLSA. Those of us opposed to unionization know that UNH Human Resources will stand by us; it is in the long term best interest of the institution to support its employees.

We believe we have excellent pay, benefits, working conditions and job security. Could these aspects of our jobs be better? Perhaps, but approving a union is not the answer. According to the department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, unions nationwide are on a decline and memberships are dwindling. Why? We believe it is because they can no longer deliver significant value to their membership. We also believe we, the staff of UNH, can do better on our own.

Colleagues Weigh In

Hear what others have to say about unionization.

More voices

The NEA touts that UNH is required to bargain in “Good Faith” regarding wages, hours, benefits, and working conditions. Good Faith means UNH and the union act sincerely and honestly. It doesn’t mean the union gets what it wants. Negotiation is give and take, but keep in mind, there is no guarantee of what our benefits will be. Are you willing to risk what we have, and pay a fee, to have a “voice” we already have? Many of us are not.

Please think long and hard about what is best for you and your family and make an informed decision before you sign an authorization card. Also understand that if you signed a card, you can ask for it back should you change your mind.

We believe the members of our staff councils should be neutral on union issues. It’s concerning that some of the council members do not have neutral views on the unionizing efforts and in fact, some of them are leading the charge. They should be the voice for all of the staff they represent, including those opposed to unionizations.

Why would you want to risk all that we have for mere words? Words of promise with no guarantee. Many of us are opposed to unionization. If you are opposed to this effort, please speak out and let others know why. If we work together, we can defeat the union effort. Thank you for considering our point of view.

Sincerely,