St. John’s University said it is withdrawing recognition of its faculty unions, ending a relationship that has existed for more than 50 years.
The private Catholic university has recognized the two unions since 1970.
A university spokesperson said the decision was not made “lightly” but was necessary to advance its “organizational mission” as higher education faces significant change.
What You Need To Know
St. John’s University is withdrawing recognition of its faculty unions after more than 50 years
The university says the move is necessary to advance its “organizational mission”
The AAUP-affiliated union called the decision a betrayal of the university’s history and values
“For over 150 years, St. John’s University has been steadfastly dedicated to its Catholic and Vincentian mission, with our esteemed faculty serving as the cornerstone of our academic community,” spokesperson Brian Browne said in a statement. “As the landscape of higher education undergoes a profound transformation, our commitment to providing an exceptional and sustainable educational experience consistent with our mission requires us to be agile and innovative.”
The university said withdrawing recognition of the unions will “allow St. John’s the flexibility required to innovate while continuing to support our faculty and, most importantly, deliver on our promise to our students.”
One of the unions affected is affiliated with the American Association of University Professors.
“Throughout the negotiations, the SJU-AAUP has consistently sought to arrive at a reasonable contract that would benefit not just the faculty, but the larger St. John’s University as well. We are tremendously disappointed that Father [Brian] Shanley would disregard more than fifty years of constructive engagement with the faculty unions. We remain ready to return to the bargaining table and finish the work to make the University stronger,” said Fred Cocozzelli, lead bargainer and past president of SJU-AAUP.
Todd Wolfson, president of the national AAUP, also criticized the decision.
“This shameful attack on the St. John’s faculty union betrays the university’s history and most deeply-held Catholic values. It’s outrageous that religious leaders are joining in the assaults on higher education that are happening nationwide,” Wolfson said.
It was not immediately clear how the decision would affect ongoing negotiations or existing faculty contracts.