URA-AFT FAQs
Who is the URA-AFT?
Union of Rutgers Administrators-American Federation of Teachers (URA-AFT), Local 1766, members work in many valuable functions at Rutgers University’s three campuses and at field offices in every county through the state. The administrative unit consists of more than 2,000 members.
What is the AFT?
The American Federation of Teachers is the largest union in higher education and a strong union of professional workers. Uniting with more than 35,000 professional workers in New Jersey and more than 1.3 million nationwide in AFT gives our voice tremendous power. For more information, see www.aft.org
What do URA-AFT members do?
URA-AFT members work in academic offices help advise, mentor and direct students. Others conduct research to improve community services, social programs or agriculture. The union represents members in the university’s external relations, communications and recreation departments as well as budget and financial service workers. From conducting nutrition and agricultural lessons for children and parents to administering economic development programs, the union’s members are making a significant contribution to the greater society.
When did the union form?
Under New Jersey state card check legislation similar to the proposed Employee Free Choice Act approximately 1,900 workers considered “administrative” at Rutgers University voted to unionize June 7, 2007 and affiliate with the American Federation of Teachers, AFL-CIO.
What has the union accomplished
• December, 2007: URA-AFT administrative unit members approved a strong four-year contract with a combination of across-the-board and merit pay increases, enhanced job security and a binding arbitration process.
• May, 2008: URA-AFT’s Legislative Committee played a key role in the development of and successful advocacy for New Jersey’s Paid Family Leave legislation. This progressive legislation will offer paid time off for a parent to bond with a new baby or adopted child or for a caretaker to tend to a sick or injured family member in a time of crisis. The legislation will take effect on January 1, 2009.
• July, 2008: The American Federation of Teachers presented URA-AFT its higher education militancy award for vigorous advocacy on behalf of its members.
• September-November, 2008: URA-AFT members join in labor walks, phone banks and rallies to help elect new President and more labor-friendly congressional delegations members in New Jersey.
• March-June 2009: URA-AFT members advocated successfully for restoration of stable
higher education funding from New Jersey’s federal stimulus allocation
