A coalition comprised of 11 international unions, including SEIU, AFT, UAW, and CWA, has recently released a “Statement of Unity” outlining their vision for the future of public higher education. This document urges Kamala Harris, a presidential candidate, along with other elected officials, to endorse their initiatives aimed at re-establishing higher education as a public good. The Labor for Higher Education Coalition convened a press conference on Monday, where union leaders detailed their unified goals and proposed strategies for systemic reform.
Significant Issues in Higher Education
The coalition highlights several significant issues currently affecting higher education, such as prolonged disinvestment by federal and state governments, the growing corporatization of educational institutions, escalating tuition fees, and increasing levels of student debt. Additional concerns include the affordability and accessibility of education, as well as academic freedom on campuses. Representatives from the unions pointed to the increasing dependence on contingent faculty members, emphasizing the declining working conditions and job insecurity that many educators face.
Major Advocacy Points
The Coalition’s Statement of Unity encompasses several major advocacy points:
- Full federal funding for public higher education, targeting community colleges, technical schools, state universities, research institutions, and institutions serving minority populations.
- Enhanced access to higher education by eliminating student debt.
- Improved working conditions for employees within higher education.
- Support for the election of government officials who align with the Coalition’s perspective on higher education as a public service.
Future Actions and Monitoring
During the press conference, the coalition emphasized that the Statement of Unity constitutes an initial step towards broader efforts across various campuses, especially as unions engage in contract negotiations for higher education workers. The progression of unionization and related reforms within higher education will continue to be closely monitored.
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