Inside the Faculty Union

This book describes the many experiences of a university faculty union leader. Interactions with faculty members and administrators are examined in a variety of contexts ranging from discussions about such mundane topics as parking on campus, to such meaningful topics as the nature of the union/administration relationship. Individual chapters will address important occurrences in the life of a faculty union leader, including the process of negotiating a new contract and the on-going process of representing a diverse membership with disparate goals and differing levels of devotion to the notion of collectivism. Each chapter features a "lessons learned" section which attempts to offer guidance for those who might choose to become a union activist themselves, or who might choose to offer advice to those who might consider it. While the book centers upon higher education, the concepts advanced might be equally applicable to a variety of organizations in which the eternal struggle between management and labor in a function of the workplace.

There are precious few such candid reflections from the insider perspective, so I’m thrilled Bob Engvall wrote one.  Union president is a challenging role, one I played for about 30 years, so I often nodded knowingly while reading.  Many of his observations, including some zingers, are common discussion threads among the many faculty union leaders I’ve known.  The book is at its best when his reflections stem from particular incidents.  Mixing acerbic jabs with wry humor and incisive use of other sources to cast light on the modern university, Engvall’s book should be read by administrators, trustees, and, of course, faculty.

Robert Engvall is a professor of justice studies at Roger Williams University, in Bristol, Rhode Island. He has written extensively about a variety of issues including those centering upon the "professionalism" of teaching and of the evolving "place" of the professoriate more generally.