It’s summertime and, like everyone else, TAUP is shifting gears. Between terms, we have the opportunity to assess the work we’ve done over the semester and to think ahead in planning for the fall.

MEMBERSHIP DRIVE

To build power to negotiate for our pay, benefits, and working conditions, we need strong relationships with colleagues both in and outside of our individual departments and schools. Becoming a dues-paying member of TAUP is an important and meaningful way for you to connect with colleagues, with the university and with communities both on and off campus. By signing a membership card your voice can, and will, be heard.

Our strength in negotiating at the table is directly linked to our membership numbers. If you are not currently a dues-paying member, if you want the Union to be in a good position to fight for a strong new contract and to build on and maintain the gains you enjoy, it’s time to join.

This summer, we’ll be out knocking on doors, both on campus and off. Why do we go to people’s homes? Because it is that important. Let us know if we’ve caught you at a bad time. Our experience with members through home visits has been very positive. We wouldn’t continue to do it if that were not the case. We’ve been able to connect with people at their homes whom we’ve been unable to contact with on campus. Unlike at school, people have time to talk. If you’re not currently a dues-paying member and you’d prefer to meet at school or at a specific time at home, contact our organizer, Abbey Bricker, to make arrangements.

NEGOTIATION PREPARATION

We’ll be back at the table in Spring of 2019, and in preparation, we’re engaged in research and in outreach to members of the bargaining unit. If you’d like to help by taking on a small project, or if you’d be interested in being a liaison between the Union and your department, please contact TAUP President Steve Newman or VP Jennie Shanker .

BARGAINING SURVEYS

This summer, you’ll be hearing from us. Negotiations for the full bargaining unit start in Spring of 2019, and in preparation for them, we’ll be sending out surveys to help us identify the top priorities for each of our constituencies. Be sure to respond to surveys when you receive them. When we hear from you, we can represent you well.

ACTIVIST TRAININGS

Keep an eye out for an announcement for our activist training this summer. For the past two years, we’ve held one-day boot camps for members who are interested in working with colleagues in TAUP to improve our lives and working conditions at Temple. If you are interested in attending this summer’s training, send your contact information to Abbey Bricker.