State employees union makes unfair labor practice filing against Vt. State Colleges

MONTPELIER, Vt. (WCAX) - The Vermont State Employees’ Association has made an unfair labor practice filing against the Vermont State Colleges.

The VSEA alleges the Vermont State Colleges administration violated the State Employees’ Labor Relations Act. They claim the State Colleges System has been bargaining in bad faith and has retaliated against union activists.

The VSEA says four of the seven members being laid off are bargaining team members and union activists.

This comes after the Vermont State Colleges System announced changes to their schools’ libraries and athletics programs and started facing pushback from the public.

“When you’re from Vermont, you know that honesty and integrity matter. And if this is the way the new president is going to operate, he has a lot to learn,” said Steve Howard, the executive director of the VSEA.

Howard said that during a collective bargaining meeting, the president was asked by union representatives whether the library would be affected, or if any layoffs would occur. The president denied both possibilities. Howard says within an hour of the meeting ending, seven people were told they would be laid off.

Related Stories:

Vermont State Colleges leaders say financial problems persist

VSU staff, students share concerns at Statehouse

VSU leaders hear from students, faculty after no-confidence vote

Castleton University students protest plans for library to go digital

VSU campus libraries turning to digital collections

Tuition cut for students attending the new Vermont State University

Last 1st day at 3 Vermont colleges before a major merger

Vermont State University unveils logo and branding

Newsmaker Interview: Parwinder Grewal to take helm of Vermont State University

Inaugural Vermont State University president named

Board approves Vermont State University name for 3 schools

Copyright 2023 WCAX. All rights reserved.