Nazareth University has received a petition for union representation from Nazareth United Professionals, NYSUT AFT/NEA/AFL-CIO. As a result of this petition, there will be an election on April 30, 2025, to determine whether a certain portion of Nazareth staff will be represented by Nazareth United Professionals, NYSUT AFT/NEA/AFL-CIO (the “Union”).
Nazareth respects the rights of staff to learn more about or seek union representation. Because unionization could impose a new legal framework that may materially change the experience of some staff, Nazareth believes it’s important for staff to be fully informed. For that reason, Nazareth has created this resource to provide information and answers to some commonly asked questions about the election process and unionization. This resource was first posted on April 16, 2025, and may be updated periodically as necessary.
What is Nazareth’s position?
Nazareth University fully complies with all federal and state employment laws, including the National Labor Relations Act (“NLRA”). Nazareth also respects and supports the rights of employees to engage in union-related activities free from retaliation, to learn more about union representation, and to make their own informed decision regarding union membership. Nazareth has not engaged in, and strictly prohibits, retaliation against any employee for their involvement in protected union-related activities.
We recognize that there are important topics being discussed, and we value the contributions of all staff members in helping the University fulfill its mission.
The decision regarding whether to vote for union representation rests entirely with staff who are eligible to vote in the upcoming election. Nazareth fully supports each staff member’s right to make a decision about whether to vote for union representation. In order to do so, we believe it is important for staff to have access to information about unionization before deciding how to vote. Regardless of the outcome, Nazareth remains committed to supporting a professional environment where all staff can succeed and grow.
Have staff been fired for unionizing?
No. At no time has any staff member been fired for unionizing activity. All of Nazareth’s employment-related decisions are based on legitimate reasons, entirely unrelated to union activities.
Are there unions at Nazareth?
Yes, Nazareth University currently has a union representing adjunct faculty members.
What is the National Labor Relations Board?
The National Labor Relations Board (“NLRB”) is a U.S. government agency that enforces the NLRA. It oversees union elections, investigates unfair labor practices, and ensures that employees and employers comply with labor laws.
What is a union?
A union is an organization that represents employees in negotiations with their employer regarding wages, benefits, working conditions, and other terms and conditions of employment.
What is a bargaining unit?
A bargaining unit is a defined group of employees who share a community of interest, and who are represented collectively by a union in negotiations with the employer to create a collective bargaining agreement—or union contract—that may set wages, hours, and other working conditions.
What does it mean to be represented by a union? Would all members of the bargaining unit be represented by the union, even if they are not union members?
If a union is recognized, it becomes the exclusive bargaining representative for all employees in the bargaining unit,regardless of whether an individual chooses to become a regular dues-paying union member. This means employees negotiate as a group, rather than individually, regarding certain terms and conditions of employment.
What is an authorization card?
This is a document employees can sign to indicate support for union representation. It does not obligate an employee to vote in any particular way.
Can supervisors and managers form a union under the NLRA?
Under the NLRA, individuals who qualify as supervisors and managers under statutory and case law are exempt from the protections of the NLRA. This means that supervisors and managers are customarily excluded from union membership.
Am I required to provide my contact information to a union or sign any other document a union requests?
No. During the election process, employees may choose whether and how to engage with Union representatives. However, Nazareth has certain obligations during the election process, which include providing certain employee information to the NLRB and the Union.
When and where will the election be held?
Date: April 30, 2025
Time: 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.; 3:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Location: Medaille Formal Lounge
Who is eligible to vote?
Nazareth and the Union have entered into a Stipulated Election Agreement and have agreed on a unit of employees who are eligible to vote in the election. The description of this unit will be identified in the Notice of Election. The Union will also receive a voter list prior to the election.
How many people are eligible to vote in the election?
Nazareth and the Union have entered into a Stipulated Election Agreement and have agreed on a unit of employees who are eligible to vote in the election. Based on the agreed-upon definition of that unit, approximately 143 people have been identified as eligible to vote in the election.
What is the voting procedure?
The election will be held by secret ballot.
There are two defined Voting Groups in this election: Voting Group A (“Professional employees” in specific job classifications) and Voting Group B (“Nonprofessional employees” in specific job classifications). These groups were determined by the Union and the University, consistent with NLRB requirements, and approved by the NLRB. Please note that “Professional employee” and “Nonprofessional employee” in this context are designations provided for by law and at the direction of the NLRB, and the specific position designations are for the purposes of the units considered for this election only.
The employees in Voting Group A will be asked two questions. First, they will be asked if they wish to be included in the same unit with “Nonprofessional employees” of the Employer for the purposes of collective bargaining, and they can vote “yes” or “no” in response to that question. Second, they will be asked if they wish to be represented by the Union for purposes of collective bargaining, and they can vote “yes” or “no” in response to that question. If a simple majority of the employees in Voting Group A vote “yes” to the first question, they will be included in a Combined Unit with “Nonprofessional employees,” and their vote on the second question will be counted together with the votes of the “Nonprofessional employees” in Voting Group B to decide whether the Union will be the representative of the Combined Unit. If a simple majority of the employees in Voting Group A vote “no” to the first question, they will not be included in the same unit as the “Nonprofessional employees,” and their votes on the second question will be counted separately from Voting Group B to decide whether Voting Group A wishes to be represented by the Union in a separate professional unit.
The employees in Voting Group B will be asked one question. They will be asked if they wish to be represented by the Union for purposes of collective bargaining, and they can vote “yes” or “no” in response to that question. Whichever option receives a simple majority of the votes cast (which may include the votes of Voting Group A, as described above) wins.
Am I a “Professional” or “Nonprofessional” employee for NLRA purposes?
This designation is provided for by law and at the direction of the NLRB. For more information on how specific positions that are eligible to vote have been designated, please see the Notice of Election.
Should I vote?
Yes. If an employee is eligible to vote, they should vote to ensure their voice is heard. The election outcome is determined by the majority of votes cast — not by the total number of employees in the unit. If a majority of voting employees choose union representation, the union represents all employees in the bargaining unit.
What happens if I am on vacation or have PTO scheduled the day of the election?
Voting must occur in person during election hours. Absence may result in loss of voting opportunity.
What if I need medical accommodations?
Please contact Human Resources as soon as possible for support and so that we can notify the NLRB of any accommodation needs.
Did Nazareth provide my personal contact information to the Union?
Pursuant to the federal Rules and Regulations of the NLRB, within a certain amount of time of the approval of the Stipulated Election Agreement entered into by Nazareth and the Union, Nazareth is required to submit to the NLRB and the Union’s representative a list of employees that, to our understanding, are members of the voting groups. That list must include full names, work locations, shifts, job classifications, and contact information, including home addresses and available home and personal cell phone numbers and personal email addresses. Under these same Rules and Regulations, Nazareth and the Union are not permitted to use the voter list for purposes other than this representation proceeding, NLRB proceedings arising from it, and related matters.
What happens if staff vote for a union?
If staff select a union to represent them, the relationship that existed between the staff and Nazareth may change. Wages and other terms and conditions of employment will be governed by a collective bargaining agreement, where the terms of that agreement are the result of negotiations between the employer and the union.
What are union dues, and how are they calculated?
Union dues are required contributions made by union members to support the union’s activities, including contract negotiations, legal representation, and workplace advocacy.
Do non-members pay union dues?
Staff may choose not to become union members, however, they may still be subject to some level of fees.
What is collective bargaining?
It is the negotiation process between the employer and the union to establish employment terms for all employees in the bargaining unit.
What areas are generally subject to collective bargaining?
Unions and employers must negotiate in good faith on “mandatory subjects” of bargaining, which may include:
What will the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement include?
Negotiations regarding specific provisions have no guaranteed “starting point” and a Collective Bargaining Agreement has no predictable outcomes. The two parties do not need to offer concessions or agree to specific terms. At this stage, neither Nazareth nor the Union can guarantee a specific result.
How long does it take to negotiate a union contract?
The timeline for negotiating a first union contract varies — from weeks to months to more than a year. Until a contract is finalized, existing workplace policies generally remain in effect.
Who negotiates the contract?
Negotiations involve two teams:
How long does a contract last?
Union contracts typically last between 2–5 years, depending on what is negotiated.
Do non-union members follow the contract too?
Yes. Once a union is recognized, the negotiated contract applies to all bargaining unit employees regardless of union membership.
What if I object to something in the agreement?
Collective bargaining agreements focus on employees as designated groups, not individuals. This means a union would speak for everyone considered to be part of the unit. The provisions of the agreement would affect all unit members.
How can I express my opinion about unionization?
You may speak with whomever you wish regarding your personal viewpoints. You have the legal right to speak and organize for or against union representation. Federal law and Nazareth policy protects your right to talk to your colleagues during non-work time about your views. If you do not wish to share your views, you are not obligated to respond to colleagues’ questions or participate in any discussions. It is always up to you.
I am a supervisor and would like more guidance. Who can I talk to?
Please contact Human Resources for more information.