In the world of employment we are all confronted with choices. Whether it is choosing a place to work, a retirement plan or a health care provider, we all need information in order to make informed choices. Perhaps no choice has more importance to you and to your colleagues than the choice of forming a bargaining unit or not. We know that the United Professions of Vermont/American Federation of Teachers (UVP/AFT) has contacted a number of staff to persuade them in making such a decision. The purpose of this web site is to give you information that hopefully assists you in reaching your own decision.

Employees who are eligible to join a new union include non-unionized staff in the technical, administrative/clerical and professional ranks. Those who are not eligible to join a union include “managerial” and “confidential” employees, as defined by Vermont law. And of course those who are currently represented by a bargaining unit are not eligible to join another unit.

This Web site will explore topics of interest that we believe you should consider in making your decisions. Questions about union representation and collective bargaining are addressed here. Working conditions, salaries and benefits are topics of negotiations during bargaining and this website provides information about these as well. We will make every effort to update this site as new material becomes available.

Your thoughts and questions are valued. If there’s a question that hasn’t been addressed here, click on “Submit a Question.” Your question will be addressed promptly. Submitted questions – less employee specific information – will be considered for inclusion in our Submitted Questions section of the website.

Whether you are in favor of union representation or against the idea of joining a union, it is important to give this matter thorough and careful consideration.