Augsburg University staff members announce union, give university president 1 week to respond

Approximately 170 staff at Augsburg University announced a union on Thursday and requested voluntary recognition to the union from Augsburg President Paul Pribbenow.

According to a release, over the past year, the staff has discussed several priorities they hope to address through collective bargaining, including racial and gender pay gaps, affordable health insurance, parental leave, advancement opportunities, tuition credit, retirement benefits that were recently eliminated and COVID-19 safety protections.

The Augsburg Staff Union, which comprises approximately 170 staff ranging from admissions to information technology departments, is being organized with the Office and Professional Employees Union (OPEIU Local 12).

The group stated that they will deliver a public letter signed by a majority of their colleagues to Pribbenow’s office, requesting he grant voluntary recognition to their union.

“As staff that provide support to ensure the success and wellbeing of our students, we know that having a voice will mean strengthening our ability to achieve that mission,” said Maxwell Poessnecker, director of LGBTQ+ Student Services and Equity and a member of the Augsburg Staff Union Organizing Committee. “As a progressive institution in the community, we expect the Augsburg Administration to walk the walk by voluntarily recognizing our union now that a majority of our staff have had the courage to come forward and request it.”

The union created a mission statement detailing how the group’s formation affirms the goals and values of Augsburg University.

The Augsburg staff union has given Pribbenow one week to respond to their letter.