URI, RIC Part-Time Faculty Vote to Join Teaching Union

Part-time instructors at the University of Rhode Island and Rhode Island College have voted to unionize, seeking better pay and recognition for their contribution to the two state colleges.The votes mirror a national trend as more part-time faculty — which make up about half of college instructors nationwide — demand more control over their working conditions. Without part-time faculty, the state’s three public colleges could not serve its growing student populations or keep costs under control, say state higher education officials. With only about 10 percent of its members voting, part-time faculty at URI voted 59 to 4 last week […]