From Bill Mohler: Very *Positive* feedback on AAUP from one UMDNJ Faculty Member

[The message below came from a colleague of mine at UMDNJ, one of two major state university medical schools that is unionized with AAUP]


Hi Bill,

I have a high opinion of the AAUP.  The faculty on our campus who are officers tend to be the faculty I most respect scientifically and socially.  These are the same people who help out with graduate programs, teaching, etc.  

The AAUP is very helpful if you do have a concern.  I think faculty salaries are areas of extreme variability, with women often coming out at the bottom.  I called them once when I noted that even if my performance reviews were good (Outstanding) I seemed to always get the minimum wage increase (as negotiated by the union).   They immediately asked the Departments to review how they are doing wage increases.  At medical schools, a lot of things are murky.

As far as does everyone join AAUP here, I think the answer is no.  I don't understand why people don't join a group that ensures that our salaries and benefits are increased at a reasonable rate, and who would represent you if you were treated unfairly.  The union fees are about $40 a month.

You can share my words with others. I can also put you in contact with some of the faculty who have been officers, for example Jerry Langer, if you have more specific questions. He is now our Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs.

I hope this helps,

Martha

Martha Soto, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor

Robert Wood Johnson Medical School

UMDNJ - R232

675 Hoes Lane

Piscataway, NJ 08854

Office: 732-235-4424

Lab: 732-235-4798

sotomc@umdnj.edu

On Oct 27, 2009, at 9:30 PM, Bill Mohler wrote:

Hi Martha,

Our faculty are about to vote on whether to join up in a Union as a chapter of AAUP. One of the AAUP reps came today and gave many shining examples of what they've done for UMDNJ faculty, who are apparently all ìn an AAUP unit. I'm still very undecided. What's your take on how well they represent and support you and the other faculty?

Thanks,
Bill
--
William A. Mohler
Associate Professor
Dept. of Genetics and Developmental Biology
University of Connecticut Health Center
MC-3301
263 Farmington Ave.
Farmington, CT   06030-3301