Sean McAleer, a philosopher at the University of Wisconsin-Eu Claire, writes:
Thanks for posting that link on the Pew Center's report on the dire financial situation facing Wisconsin and other states. As you may know, the recently passed budget here in Wisconsin included a provision enabling faculty (and academic staff) in the UW system to decide, on a campus-by-campus basis, whether to unionize. I'd be very interested to hear what (preferably first-hand) experiences readers of your blog have had with collective bargaining on their campuses, in particular unexpected upsides and downsides -- if you think that would be an appropriate topic for your blog.
Collective bargaining has a lot to do with why Rutgers faculty (not just in Philosophy) are among the best-paid in the country. But I'm sure there are a lot of other examples. In the current economic climate, faculty will be likely be well-served by organizing. Comments are open. Comments must include a valid e-mail address (which will not appear).
