Point Park University ending legal dispute over full-time faculty unionization

For Immediate Release

July 20, 2015

Point Park University ending legal dispute
over full-time faculty unionization

PITTSBURGH, PA – Point Park University has decided to end the longstanding dispute regarding the ability of its full-time faculty to form a union under the National Labor Relations Act.

The issue began in 2003 with a faculty vote to unionize under a different University administration. It was disputed for several years through appeals to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) and the U.S. Court of Appeals. The case sat dormant at the NLRB from 2007 to February 2015, when it was remanded back to the Regional NLRB by the National NLRB for a ruling based on a revised test announced by the NLRB in Pacific Lutheran v. NLRB.

“The administration has great respect for its full-time faculty and fully appreciates their strong commitment to academic excellence,” Point Park President Paul Hennigan said.

The current administration at Point Park does not wish to spend any resources on a potentially costly legal battle with its full-time faculty. Therefore, the University will recognize the right of the full-time faculty to form a union and begin collective bargaining accordingly.

Contact:   Lou Corsaro

               For Point Park University

               lcorsaro@pointpark.edu

               412.392.6190

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Founded in 1960, Point Park University is a dynamic, urban university with a strong liberal arts tradition. Located in Downtown Pittsburgh, Point Park enrolls nearly 4,000 full- and part-time students in 82 undergraduate programs, 17 master’s programs and two doctoral programs offered through its School of Arts and Sciences, School of Business, School of Communication and Conservatory of Performing Arts.



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