UW senate debates bill

Resolution of nonsupport passes overwhelmingly

The UW Faculty Senate last week voted not to support a collective bargaining bill currently under consideration in the State Legislature.

The Faculty Senate, which historically has supported legislation designed to enable the formation of unions, instead issued a resolution in general support of the concept, but one of nonsupport for any bill — like the one in question, SB6346 — that advances without the review of the faculty body.

The resolution passed on a 68-10 vote with five abstentions during the Jan. 27 meeting.

The measure was submitted by chair of the faculty council on faculty affairs, Robert Holzworth. Holzworth, UW Faculty Legislative Representative JoAnn Taricani and others at the meeting said that no councils or committees of the Faculty Senate had been consulted in the preparation of the legislation and that “flawed process has led to flawed substance.”

Taricani told senators at the Jan. 27 meeting in Gowen Hall that the bill was unlikely to pass during this legislative session in any case.

“Chances are slim that it will pass this year, but it would be foolhardy to count on that and not take action.”

For complete text of the Faculty Senate resolution, go to Senate resolution.