Faculty members and staff at the New York Film Academy (NYFA) have taken a significant step in asserting their rights by unionizing in New York City. The decision to unionize comes after months of organizing and discussions among faculty and staff members who have been advocating for better working conditions and fair treatment.
The unionization effort at NYFA was spearheaded by the New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) and the Communications Workers of America (CWA), who worked closely with faculty and staff members to help them form a strong collective voice. The faculty and staff at NYFA, who are mostly adjunct professors and administrative staff, have expressed concerns about low wages, lack of job security, and little to no benefits.
By unionizing, faculty and staff members at NYFA hope to negotiate for better wages, benefits, job security, and a greater say in decision-making processes at the institution. The unionization effort also aims to address issues such as workload, professional development opportunities, and transparency in hiring and promotion processes.
One faculty member at NYFA, who wished to remain anonymous, stated, “Unionizing is a crucial step in ensuring that faculty and staff are treated fairly and have a voice in shaping the future of our institution. We are excited to have the support of NYSUT and CWA in this effort, and we are hopeful that our union will lead to positive changes for all of us at NYFA.”
The decision to unionize comes at a time when workers across various industries are increasingly turning to unions to advocate for their rights and improve their working conditions. In recent years, there has been a growing movement among adjunct professors and other contingent faculty members to unionize in order to address issues such as low pay, lack of benefits, and job insecurity.
As faculty and staff at the New York Film Academy continue to fight for better working conditions, the unionization effort serves as a reminder of the importance of collective action in advocating for workers’ rights. By standing together and speaking with one voice, faculty and staff members at NYFA are working towards creating a more equitable and inclusive work environment for all.