The University of Hawaii faculty, represented by the University of Hawaii Professional Assembly, have voted to approve a new successor contract that includes a 3.5 percent wage increase in the first year and a 3.79 percent increase in the second year. This agreement was reached over eight months before the current contract expires, with faculty voting electronically and overwhelmingly in favor of the contract. The new two-year contract will run from July 1 through June 2027 to align with the state’s fiscal year.
The UHPA represents 3,300 UH System faculty members and has been the exclusive bargaining representative since 1974. The faculty now await the Legislature’s decision to approve and fund the contract. UHPA President Karla Hayashi expressed gratitude to those involved in the negotiations and highlighted the importance of settling early to focus on teaching, research, and contributing to the state’s economy.
The early discussions for the successor contract were driven by uncertainties on both the national and local levels, including the recent tax relief laws signed by Gov. Josh Green and the transition to a new UH president. Hayashi also voiced concerns about national issues impacting public education, such as Project 2025, a series of conservative policy proposals that aim to eliminate the Department of Education.
Despite these uncertainties, the approval of the new contract provides stability for UH faculty to continue their work. With the faculty’s dedication to teaching and research, this agreement ensures a smooth transition into the future and enables them to focus on their core responsibilities.
Source
Photo credit www.thegardenisland.com