Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Simmons University Adjuncts Reach Their First Tentative Agreement

Working people across the United States regularly step up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.

After more than a year of contract negotiations, collective actions and growing community support, adjunct faculty at Simmons University, members of Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 509, reached their first tentative collective bargaining agreement.

Highlights of the tentative contract include strong raises for all adjuncts; course assignment priority and pay increases for returning adjuncts; enforceable protections against discrimination, improper discipline and the erosion of academic freedom; an improved orientation and evaluation process; and expanded professional development funding and tuition remission benefits.

Members of the union must still vote to approve the contract.