2020

From all the executive board members and area representatives, we would like to wish all UCU members and your loved ones a warm, joyful, and safe holiday season! The Cooper Union will be closed which includes all labs, shops, and studios from Wednesday, December 23, 2020 – Sunday, January 10, 2021, with the exception of … Read moreHappy Holidays from the Union @ Cooper Union!

Dear UCU Members, We hope that everyone is doing well and staying safe as COVID cases are on the rise. We have some updates that we would like to share as well as some answers to questions that were asked in the General Membership Meeting. If you were unable to attend the meeting, the PowerPoint slides … Read moreNovember 2020 UCU Updates

Dear UCU Members, As we continue to discuss Health & Safety concerns with the administration, we wanted to share that later this week the administration will be putting out more detailed protocols on how to handle different COVID-19 situations, such as procedures for if an individual tests positive. As a reminder, the Returning to Cooper … Read moreHealth & Safety Procedures

Dear UCU Members, We will hold a General Membership Meeting on Wednesday, October 28, 2020, 12-2pm on Zoom. All UCU members are eligible for release time to attend the meeting, and managers have been notified.  This meeting will include updates on UCU activities including health & safety issues, members having resumed work, and contract negotiations. … Read moreUCU General Meeting: Wednesday, October 28, 2020, 12-2pm

Dear UCU Members, Through our meetings with the administration over the past few months, we negotiated various protections for members who were furloughed. These terms and conditions were recorded in a Memorandum of Agreement that is now accessible on our website. We would also like to share two open positions for any member looking to be … Read moreOpen Positions & Memorandum of Agreement

Dear UCU Members, Over the last few weeks, many of our furloughed members have been asked to return to work. By the end of this month, 26 of the 33 furloughed members will have returned to their jobs. We are continuing to advocate for the remaining 7 furloughed employees, and for part-time members whose appointment … Read moreUpdates on Furloughs and Fall Staffing

Dear UCU Members, The Executive Committee has been asked many questions about the health and safety issues surrounding Covid-19 and staff returning to campus. We have heard your questions and are prioritizing your concerns. The Executive Committee met with Natalie and discussed Cooper’s plan and how the Health and Safety Committee is planning to address … Read moreHealth and Safety Updates

Dear UCU Members, All members should be aware that they are only required and allowed to do the work that they were explicitly hired to do. If you are asked to do additional work – either new responsibilities, or the work of a colleague who is furloughed – please reach out to the UCU as … Read moreReporting Issues with Work Responsibilities

Dear UCU Membership, We are writing to share updates on the election following the nominations process. While two members were nominated for the Staff Representative to the Board of Trustees, this position is open for non-Union nominations. As such, the nomination and election process will be announced by the college soon. We will work to … Read moreUCU Elections Update

Dear UCU Members, We encourage all members to review Laura’s email to the community, as it outlines significant changes to Cooper Union’s operations. Notably, all instruction will continue online through the Fall semester. Such a large change to the institution’s operations will affect our members, though after engaging with the administration over these plans, the … Read moreUpdates on Staff and Operations