Tallahassee, FL – A landmark law enacted in Florida has effectively dissolved eight unions representing adjunct faculty at public universities. The move, which has been met with both applause and outrage, marks a significant shift in the landscape of higher education labor relations within the state.
The law, signed by Governor Ron DeSantis in May 2023, prohibits unions representing adjunct faculty from collectively bargaining for wages, benefits, and working conditions. This effectively eliminates the ability for these instructors to negotiate as a group, leaving them to negotiate individual contracts with institutions.
The eight unions impacted include :
United Faculty of Florida (UFF) : Represented adjunct faculty at the University of Central Florida, Florida International University, and Florida Atlantic University.
Florida Education Association (FEA) : Represented adjunct faculty at the University of South Florida.
American Federation of Teachers (AFT) : Represented adjunct faculty at the University of Miami.
Service Employees International Union (SEIU) : Represented adjunct faculty at the University of North Florida.
The law’s supporters, largely within the Republican-controlled legislature, argue that it eliminates unnecessary bureaucracy and allows universities to be more flexible in their hiring practices. They also claim that the law fosters a more individualistic environment, empowering adjunct faculty to negotiate better contracts for themselves.
However, opponents of the legislation, including union leaders and some faculty members, decry the law as a “union-busting” measure that disproportionately impacts adjunct faculty who are already facing precarious working conditions. They point to the fact that adjunct faculty often lack job security, have lower pay, and lack access to benefits, making them particularly vulnerable to the impacts of the new law.
“This is a direct attack on the rights of adjunct faculty,” stated [Name of Union Leader], President of the UFF. “This law weakens the bargaining power of these instructors, making them more susceptible to unfair labor practices and exploitation.”
The law’s impact on adjunct faculty remains to be fully understood. Some fear that the lack of collective bargaining power will lead to lower wages, fewer benefits, and a decline in working conditions. Others hope that the law will lead to greater individual flexibility and opportunities for advancement.
One thing is certain: the new law marks a significant shift in the relationship between Florida’s public universities and their adjunct faculty. Whether this shift will ultimately benefit both parties or create further divisions remains to be seen.
