By Nicole Allen
Beginning with the Fall 2025 term, Utah State University (USU) employees will qualify for enrollment in a local chapter of The American Federation Teachers Union (AFT). The USU Chapter (AFT local 4738) will join employees from Utah Valley University, Southern Utah University, Weber, Utah Tech University, and Salt Lake Community College in organizing for labor rights and to protect students.
When asked why people may want to join the union, the acting USU chapter union president, Dr. Sydney O’Shay, noted, “Unions are for more than public bargaining. We organize for faculty interests, lobby the state legislature directly, foster community, and provide important support for faculty, contingent faculty, staff, and graduate students.” Dr. O’Shay also cited the increasingly chaotic environment of higher education in Utah, which leaves employees feeling powerless. Dr. O’Shay emphasized the effectiveness of employees working together through unions. While full-time faculty pay full dues, staff pay half dues, and contingent faculty and graduate student workers pay one-eighth dues.
USU workers who would like to learn more about the union can request information here: tinyurl.com/UnionInfoRequest.
People who are interested in learning more about the union, or who have questions, can attend an information session on September 8th 6:00pm – 7:00pm and/or September 18th 6:00pm – 7:00pm in the Logan City Library’s Community A room. They can also reach out to Syndey O’Shay at soshay@aftutah.org.
