Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
Faculty at the University of the Arts (UArts) ratified a new contract with a near-unanimous vote. It’s the first contract for faculty in the school’s nearly 150-year history and runs through June 2026. The faculty are represented by United Academics of Philadelphia (UAP), American Federation of Teachers (AFT) Local 9608. The contract includes, on average, 11% wage increases for full-time faculty in the first year and part-time faculty raises of 13%.
“This contract will realize double-digit raises for most faculty at UArts,” said Daniel Pieczkolon, president of the union. “Eighty-five percent of UArts faculty are part-time and have worked at rates well below nearby schools, without benefits or long-term contracts. This is a step in the right direction after three years of stalling from UArts administrators.”