SAIC workers secure first contract

After nearly two years of negotiations, nontenure-track faculty members at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) approved their first union contract in late May. Passed unanimously, with 342 eligible faculty voting in favor of ratification, the contract stipulates annual wage increases over the next four years, health-care provisions, greater course guarantees, and longer contracts, among other wins.

Importantly, the contract also enshrines academic freedom for nontenure-track faculty, ceases to classify them as at-will employees after they complete their probationary period, and lays the groundwork for a more robust grievance process.

“By improving compensation and protecting their rights, this historic agreement lays a rock-solid foundati

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