On November 21, 2024, the Fall Management Labor Conference brought together labor, legal, and human resources management leaders to discuss critical issues shaping the future of university unions. A key focus was the impact of online learning on faculty unions, as the post-pandemic shift to digital instruction has redefined teaching responsibilities. Panelists explored how universities are adapting decades-old faculty contracts to reflect this transformation, addressing complex issues related to workload and compensation.


The conference also shed light on the growth of student worker unions, including graduate student and medical resident unions, and the unique challenges they present. Representatives from UMass campuses shared diverse strategies: Amherst and Dartmouth discussed their use of state mediation services, Boston highlighted collaborative bargaining, and Lowell reviewed its recent negotiation success. UMass Chan closed the panel with insights into its new medical resident union, emphasizing the distinct dynamics in negotiating for employees in clinical settings. 


The session also reviewed a recent arbitration award that upheld the University’s stance on excluding grant-funded graduate students from the bargaining unit, offering key insights into the evolving landscape of higher education labor relations.


A special thank you to all who participated in the event. Your contributions were invaluable to the success of the event!


Keynote Speaker:

  • The Honorable David Lowy, UMass General Counsel

Panelists:

  • Joseph Ambash, Outside Counsel, Fisher & Phillips LLP
  • Michael Eagen, Associate Provost for Academic Personnel, Amherst
  • Mickey Gallagher, Executive Director of Labor and Employee Relations, Boston
  • Brian Harrington, Director of Labor Relations, Amherst
  • Dave LaChappelle, Senior Director ER/LR and HR Compliance, Chan
  • Matt Lyford, Director of Employee and Labor Relations, Chan
  • Eliza Mina, Labor Relations Manager, Boston
  • Mike Murray, Director of Labor Relations, Dartmouth
  • Ethan Mutschler, Associate Counsel – Labor, Office of General Counsel
  • Bill Storella, Director of Labor Relations and Compliance, Lowell

Facilitators: 

  • Marsophia Ducheine, Associate Counsel – Labor, Office of the General Counsel
  • Alexcia Gayle, Senior Director of Labor Relations, Amherst 
  • Jacquie Kittler, Director of Employee and Labor, UMPO

Welcoming and Closing Comments: 

  • Marie Bowen, Vice Chancellor of Human Resources, Boston
  • Lisa Calise, Senior Vice President for A&F