Terms & Frequently Asked Questions
Longy Faculty Union (LFU)
The LFU is the collective voice of Longy’s faculty and serves as the sole negotiating agent on their behalf. It is affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and the Greater Boston Labor Council.
Collective Bargaining Unit (CBU)
By ruling of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), any faculty member who has taught an average of three hours per week during one of the last two academic years automatically qualifies as a member of the CBU. All such faculty have the right to join the LFU.
Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA)
The CBA is the contract that outlines the terms and conditions of faculty employment. It is negotiated between the School and the LFU, which serves as the exclusive bargaining representative for the faculty.
Agency Shop
As an Agency Shop, Longy requires that all faculty covered by the Collective Bargaining Unit (CBU) contribute financially to the Union. Those who choose not to become LFU members are classified as Agency Fee Payers and are charged a fair-share fee to support the cost of representation. More info on Agency Shops »
The LFU is the collective voice of Longy’s faculty and serves as the sole negotiating agent on their behalf. It is affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and the Greater Boston Labor Council.
Collective Bargaining Unit (CBU)
By ruling of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), any faculty member who has taught an average of three hours per week during one of the last two academic years automatically qualifies as a member of the CBU. All such faculty have the right to join the LFU.
Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA)
The CBA is the contract that outlines the terms and conditions of faculty employment. It is negotiated between the School and the LFU, which serves as the exclusive bargaining representative for the faculty.
Agency Shop
As an Agency Shop, Longy requires that all faculty covered by the Collective Bargaining Unit (CBU) contribute financially to the Union. Those who choose not to become LFU members are classified as Agency Fee Payers and are charged a fair-share fee to support the cost of representation. More info on Agency Shops »
How much are the dues? Dues are based on a member’s gross income, using the rates and tiers set by the American Federation of Teachers (AFT). In addition, LFU local dues are set at 1.25% of gross Longy income, as specified in the LFU bylaws. Annual audits are conducted to ensure transparency and compliance.
If I choose not to join the LFU, do I still have to pay dues? Yes. All members of the CBU who earn income at Longy are required to contribute to the Union. While only members pay full dues, non-members (Agency Fee Payers) are charged a reduced fair-share agency fee, in accordance with state and federal labor laws for private-sector unions.
How much are Agency fees? Agency fees are typically 12–15% lower than full member dues.
How active is the LFU? The LFU maintains regular communication with the School’s administration on matters of employment, policy, and faculty working conditions. The union actively represents the interests of faculty in negotiation, advocacy, and enforcement of the CBA.
Does the School know if I’ve joined the LFU? No. LFU membership rolls are confidential.
How are dues collected? The simplest way is to authorize automatic payroll deductions by signing the LFU dues authorization form. Members who do not use automatic deduction will receive invoices and must pay dues or fees by check.
What are the benefits of LFU membership? Membership provides a direct voice in union decisions, the ability to vote and run for office, and the opportunity to serve on committees such as Curriculum, Negotiations, Elections, or the Honeysucker Scholarship Committee. Members may also be accompanied by an LFU representative during disciplinary meetings or grievance proceedings.
If I choose not to join the LFU, do I still have to pay dues? Yes. All members of the CBU who earn income at Longy are required to contribute to the Union. While only members pay full dues, non-members (Agency Fee Payers) are charged a reduced fair-share agency fee, in accordance with state and federal labor laws for private-sector unions.
How much are Agency fees? Agency fees are typically 12–15% lower than full member dues.
How active is the LFU? The LFU maintains regular communication with the School’s administration on matters of employment, policy, and faculty working conditions. The union actively represents the interests of faculty in negotiation, advocacy, and enforcement of the CBA.
Does the School know if I’ve joined the LFU? No. LFU membership rolls are confidential.
How are dues collected? The simplest way is to authorize automatic payroll deductions by signing the LFU dues authorization form. Members who do not use automatic deduction will receive invoices and must pay dues or fees by check.
What are the benefits of LFU membership? Membership provides a direct voice in union decisions, the ability to vote and run for office, and the opportunity to serve on committees such as Curriculum, Negotiations, Elections, or the Honeysucker Scholarship Committee. Members may also be accompanied by an LFU representative during disciplinary meetings or grievance proceedings.
