Thursday, February 18, 2010
The University of Florida's faculty union voted for and agreed on a new three year contract. The agreement comes after years of dispute with the university administration but as UF President of the United Faculty Union Jon Biro says the new contract is practically revolutionary. In addition to increased sabbaticals, better leave guarantees and more protections for academic freedom make up the new agreement. Biro says after long negotiations concluded it was just a matter of time for it to pass. The university first challenged the union in court over collective bargaining rights. Negotiations resumed in 2005 but fell apart last year, leading to a dead-end for both parties until now. UF News Bureau Steve Orlando says both parties win here. The new contract will make UF one of the most academically free universities in the nation, and is expected to help attract high-quality research professors. The union represents about 1,800 faculty members among different UF colleges. The 300 page contract will be ratified by the university's board of trustees later this March.