Become a Union Leader
UFF-FIU is an entirely member-run union built on the collective action of our members and leadership.
UFF-FIU is an entirely member-run union built on the collective action of our members and leadership. As your voice at FIU, we are always looking for faculty who are motivated to get involved to help improve the working conditions of their colleagues. There are different types of leaders in UFF-FIU:
- Elected Leaders (President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, UFF Senators, FEA Delegates)
- Appointed Leaders (Committee Chairs, Retired/At-large Chapter Council Members)
- Committee Members & Volunteers
There can be overlap, such as an elected UFF Senator who also leads a committee. The important thing is that there is a role for everyone, no matter how much time you have to give!
Leadership Roles
Executive Committee
The Executive Committee of UFF-FIU is made up of the elected officers (President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary), appointed Committee Chairs, and the immediate past Chapter President. The EC makes the day-to-day union decisions, oversees the Chapter budget, and meets with University officials. Serving on the EC is one of the best ways to make a direct impact on the union and develop the experience to be an effective leader for your colleagues.
Senators & Delegates
UFF Senators and FEA Delegates are elected to serve as representatives to the UFF and FEA legislative bodies, respectively. Their decisions help guide our statewide unions and their priorities. The UFF Senate meets twice a year (usually in September and February) and the FEA Delegates Assembly meets once a year (typically in the fall). Both are usually held in either Tampa or Orlando; travel and hotel rooms are paid for by UFF. Becoming a Senator or Delegate is a great way to get your first leadership experience as a member of UFF-FIU, meet fellow union advocates from institutions across the state, and make your voice heard for a bigger cause!
Chapter Council
The UFF-FIU Council is composed of the EC members, plus all elected Senators and up to 3 at-large or retired members of the FIU faculty appointed by the Chapter President. The purpose of the Chapter Council is to provide consent to the appointments made by the President and consult the EC on the broader issues facing the union. The Chapter Council is directed to meet as a full body at least once per semester, but members also typically serve on committees as described below.
Standing Committees
UFF-FIU has several standing committees tasked with carrying out our key objectives as a union. Serving on a committee is a low-pressure way to learn how the union works, and a great way to prepare for a leadership position in the future.
Bargaining
Handles contract negotiation with FIU administration. The bargaining team leads reopener and "big book" negotiations.
Grievance
Oversees contract enforcement. Supports members who believe their rights under the CBA have been violated.
Membership
Organizes membership drives and recruitment activities to grow the union and ensure we meet membership thresholds.
Good & Welfare
Organizes social activities and events that bring faculty together, building community and solidarity across departments.
Volunteers & Advocates
While much of the day-to-day work is carried out by our elected and appointed leaders, union work doesn't stop there! We are always in need of volunteers to become more active in UFF-FIU. The more voices we have, the better advocates we can be for our colleagues across the FIU campus.
Depending on your interests and time commitments, that may be volunteering on a committee. For others, you may want to start as a department liaison. In this role, you would be asked to talk to your colleagues about joining UFF, bring them to union events, speak at your department meetings about recent union activities, hang a UFF flyer on your office door — whatever you can do to spread the word, we appreciate it!