We support the University of the Arts Staff Union!
The part-time and full-time staff of the University of the Arts, many of whom are artists themselves, are dedicated professionals who are integral to the arts community of Philadelphia and are the backbone of the university. They are committed to supporting the students and faculty of UArts and to “advancing human creativity” both within and outside of the UArts community. We support these dedicated staff in their effort to win a strong first union contract, because university staff everywhere deserve stable and respectful working conditions in order to best support their students, faculty, and peers.
We know UArts staff need a strong first union contract because:
Staff have not received a cost of living wage increase in over 5 years and there is currently no system for merit-based or promotional raises.
Full-time and part-time staff have no real voice in decision-making, and the efforts of Staff Council to make lasting change have gone unheard.
Many staff are currently required to do work outside the scope of their current role or have extra responsibilities added to their position without any compensation.
Part-time staff currently have no access to any benefits, and lack basic job security.
We support UArts Staff as they work to win improvements to job security, equitable and sustainable compensation, work definition, access to health insurance and other benefits for part-time staff, and professional growth opportunities. We want UArts staff to have a voice within the University so that they can continue to support the valuable learning experiences that have historically defined the University of the Arts.
THANK YOU!
We have received over 250 signatures!
Here are some reason why the UArts community support the UArts Staff Union.
A college is nothing without its teachers and staff. Please recognize your staff's union and begin the process of making UArts a better, more sustainable workplace.
Dan Pinto, UArts Alum
Staff deserve fair compensation for all the work they do to keep the university afloat!
Bradley Philbert, UArts Faculty
UArts staff are severely underpaid. I worked there from 2017-2020 and know firsthand the pressure applied to staff to go above and beyond, for a salary well below market rate. I fully support the efforts of current UArts staff to unionize.
Ruby Gertz, former UArts Staff
Our students deserve to have staff who are able to focus on their work and programs without having to rely on multiple jobs in different universities. UArts Staff and Students deserve better.
Amy Vaglica, UArts Parent
The UArts staff was what made going to this school worth it. The guidance and knowledge they have to offer was absolutely invaluable to me, and they are more than deserving of being fairly compensated for all of their labor.
Shannon Guerin, UArts Alum
I’m signing in solidarity with the UArts staff. I’m a community member and friend of a UArts staff member. They devote their love and time into providing the best experience possible to their students.
Ash Schwab, community member
My time as a staff member at UArts was incredibly stressful. Ultimately I left, despite being passionate about the students and the school itself. The staff at this institution deserve more than they are getting. They are some of the hardest most passionate workers in the city. They deserve cost of living raises, full benefits and job security!
Olivia Kram, former UArts staff
The students at UArts support the unionization of staff 100%. EVERY worker deserves to have a dignified, safe, and respectful work environment, and living wage!
Eli Basila, UArts Student
The school does not function without our incredible staff. The faculty can not do what they need to without the staff support they receive.
Amanda D’Amico, UArts Faculty
As a former staff member, I absolutely agree and think this is long overdue. To pay people below poverty line wages, and never provide a cost of living or promotional pay increase is mentally exhausting and degrading. Keep up the amazing work!
Nicholas Seedes, former UArts Staff
Investing in the well being of staff through unionization is a legitimate means of strengthening your institution.
Peter Mohan, Philadelphia arts community member
I support our UArts Staff. They are critical and elemental to ensuring UArts is a well-functioning University that will attract both quality students and faculty for an exceptional educational program.
James Nowell, UArts Parent
I want a UArts union to protect the staff that make the school what it is!
Brandon Fisher, UArts Alum
As a former employee of over 5 years, I’m proud to stand in solidarity with the UArts staff union. A union will give staff the dignity, respect, and representation they deserve, simultaneously creating a healthy and creative environment to help them better serve students and fulfill the university's mission.
Mika Romano, former UArts Staff
All higher education staff members deserve a voice and the chance to advocate for their rights!
Liz Fever, Philly arts community member
UArts is held together by the passionate work of its staff- but their mistreatment has gone for too long, and they’ve been asked to work their magic time and time again with unfair practices. Every single staff member deserves a strong Union standing up for them.
Giacomo Fizzano, UArts Alum
About time! UArts needs its staff more then ever and they need living wages, job security, and benefits! These are people who are just as important to the university as its faculty and its students!
Grant Bouvier, UArts faculty