Collective Bargaining Agreement between the University of the District of Columbia and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 500, CtW Approval Resolution of 2025
Impact
The agreement is expected to have a significant positive impact on adjunct faculty compensation, as approximately 15 percent of members will benefit from the salary increases. Additionally, the introduction of a time-in-service bonus for long-serving adjuncts enhances job security and acknowledges their contributions. These changes are designed to improve faculty retention, create a more motivated workforce, and ultimately enhance the quality of education provided to students at UDC. The commitment to establishing a professional development fund also indicates a focus on ongoing professional growth for adjunct faculty.
Summary
PR26-0494 is a collective bargaining agreement between the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 500 that outlines the terms and conditions of employment for adjunct faculty. Effective from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2028, the agreement aims to improve pay and work conditions for adjunct faculty members, establishing a minimum salary of $1,200 per credit in the academic year 2025-2026, increasing to $1,260 in 2026-2027. Additionally, it includes a 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment for the academic year 2026-2027 and a revised course cancellation fee from $400 to $450.
Contention
Discussions around PR26-0494 highlighted various points of contention, particularly around funding and implementation of the proposed salary increases. Some members questioned the feasibility of maintaining the costs associated with the agreement, estimated at over $546,000 through the duration of the contract. Concerns were also raised about ensuring that the salary increase and bonuses do not adversely impact overall budget allocations for other university programs. Moreover, while the union celebrated the improvements in compensation and work conditions, some argued that further enhancements were still needed regarding job security and additional benefits.