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When a union serves as the exclusive representative for collective bargaining, terms of employment—including pay rates, wages, hours, and other conditions—are negotiated between the union and LMU. The union has the authority to bargain terms and conditions of employment on behalf of employees in the bargaining unit.
Employees covered by a collective bargaining agreement do not negotiate individual employment terms, changes to wages, hours, or any other conditions of employment directly with LMU. These terms and conditions must be bargained between the union and the employer. LMU cannot offer different terms to members of the bargaining unit unless those terms are agreed upon through collective bargaining.
Employees retain the right to bring grievances to LMU. However, any resolution must align with the collective bargaining agreement, and the union has the right to be present in any meeting related to grievance adjustments. While employees can raise concerns directly, the outcome remains subject to the terms negotiated in the collective bargaining agreement.
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Collective bargaining is the process in which employees, through their union representatives, negotiate with their employer to determine wages, benefits, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment. This process results in a collective bargaining agreement, which sets the terms for all employees in the bargaining unit.
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A collective bargaining unit is a group of employees with a shared community of interest—such as similar job duties, workplace conditions, or employment terms—who are represented by a union in negotiations with their employer. This unit is determined by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) or another governing body and is covered by a collective bargaining agreement.
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The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) in June 2024 certified the election for Local 721 to represent the non-tenure track (NTT) faculty for the LMU Bellarmine College of LIberal Arts, the LMU College of Communication and Fine Arts, and the LMU School of Film and Television. In September 2024, visiting faculty employed in all six Westchester colleges and schools also voted to join SEIU, and NLRB certified that election shortly thereafter. Negotiations with the NTT faculty began in December 2024 and for visiting faculty in March 2025.
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Negotiations between the NTT bargaining team and LMU’s negotiating team began in December 2024, while negotiations with Visiting Professors began in March 2025. As this is the first collective bargaining agreement to be signed with the units, there is not a firm deadline to reach an agreement. Negotiating a first contract can take significant time, so it is difficult to estimate.
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LMU’s bargaining team includes:
- Jonathan Rothchild, Ph.D., Associate Provost, Undergraduate Education
- Nancy Pluzdrak, Ed.D,.,Vice President, Human Resources
- Antoinette Walker, Director, HR Labor and Faculty Relations
- Nitasha Sawhney, Esq., Garcia, Hernandez Sawhney, LLP (External Counsel)
- Stephanie Ho, Esq., Garcia, Hernandez Sawhney, LLP (External Counsel)
The NTT faculty bargaining team includes:
Bellarmine College of Liberal Arts (BCLA):
- Arik Greenberg Ph.D., Clinical Assistant Professor of Theological Studies
- Bryan Wisch M.F.A., Rhetorical Arts Instructor
- Laura Huffman Ph.D., Senior Instructor in Modern Languages and Literature
- Lauren Cole M.A., Senior Lecturer in History
- Mark Gaynor M.A., Lecturer in Philosophy
College of Communication and Fine Arts (CFA):
- Barbara Dyer D.M.A., Senior Lecturer of Music
- Darrin Murray M.A., Senior Lecturer of Communication Studies
- Jermaine McGhee M.F.A., Lecturer of Theater Arts & Dance
- Maureen Gonzales B.A., Lecturer of Dance
- Nicki Heskin M.A., Assistant Clinical Professor of Production Management
School of Film and Television (SFTV):
- Elizabeth Quinn M.F.A., Senior Lecturer in Screenwriting
- Jon Medici M.F.A., Senior Lecturer of Screenwriting
- Leslie LaPage M.F.A., Lecturer of Production Film & Television
- Michael Daley M.F.A., Clinical Associate Professor of Screenwriting
- Sam Goff B.A., Lecturer in Animation
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The Visiting Professor faculty bargaining team includes:
- David Kovacs, Ph.D., Visiting Assistant Professor of Philosophy
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LMU’s Catholic values of social justice and the dignity of each person are at the center of decision-making. There is longstanding tradition in Catholic teaching that emphasizes the importance of employers and employees collaborating to promote the common good. We are committed to fostering a respectful and collaborative environment in all aspects of this process as we work towards a fair and equitable agreement.