Frequently Asked Questions

  • When a union, such as the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), serves as the exclusive representative for collective bargaining, terms of employment—including pay rates, wages, hours, and other conditions—are negotiated between the union and LMU. The union has the authority to bargain on behalf of employees regarding these terms and conditions.

    Employees covered by a collective bargaining agreement do not negotiate individual employment terms directly with administrators, deans, or department chairs on matters subject to bargaining. Any changes to wages, hours, or other conditions of employment are determined through collective bargaining. Once a union is recognized as the exclusive representative, the legal right to negotiate these terms shifts from individual employees to the union. LMU cannot offer different terms to members of the bargaining unit unless those terms are agreed upon through collective bargaining. If negotiations reach an impasse, LMU may implement terms and conditions that were previously proposed during bargaining.

    Employees retain the right to bring grievances to LMU. However, any resolution must align with the collective bargaining agreement, and the union has the right to be present in any meeting related to grievance adjustments. While employees can raise concerns directly, the outcome remains subject to the terms negotiated in the collective bargaining agreement.

  • Collective bargaining is the process in which employees, through their union representatives, negotiate with their employer to determine wages, benefits, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment. This process results in a legally binding agreement, known as a collective bargaining agreement, which sets the terms for all employees in the bargaining unit.

  • A collective bargaining unit is a group of employees with a shared community of interest—such as similar job duties, workplace conditions, or employment terms—who are represented by a union in negotiations with their employer. This unit is determined by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) or another governing body and is covered by a collective bargaining agreement.

  • LMU’s bargaining team includes:

    • Kat Weaver, Ph.D, Vice Provost, Faculty, Research, and Strategy 
    • Jonathan Rothchild, Associate Provost, Undergraduate Education
    • Nancy Pluzdrak, Vice President, Human Resources
    • Loretta Martinez, J.D., Senior Vice President and General Counsel; 
    • Nitasha Sawhney, Esq., Garcia, Hernandez Sawhney, LLP (External Counsel)

    The NTT faculty bargaining team includes:

    Bellarmine College of Liberal Arts (BCLA):

    • Arik Greenberg, Clinical Assistant Professor of Theological Studies
    • Bryan Wisch, Writing/Rhetorical Arts Instructor
    • Laura Huffman, Senior Instructor in Modern Languages ​​and Literature
    • Lauren Cole, Senior Lecturer in History
    • Mark Gaynor, Lecturer in Philosophy

    College of Communication and Fine Arts (CFA):

    • Barbara Dyer, Senior Lecturer of Music
    • Darrin Murray, Senior Lecturer of Communication Studies
    • Jermaine McGhee, Lecturer of Theater Arts & Dance
    • Maureen Gonzales, Lecturer of Dance
    • Nicki Heskin, Assistant Clinical Professor of Production Management

    School of Film and Television (SFTV):

    • Elizabeth Quinn, Senior Lecturer in Screenwriting
    • Jon Medici, Senior Lecturer of Screenwriting
    • Leslie LaPage, Lecturer of Production Film & Television
    • Michael Daley, Clinical Associate Professor of Screenwriting
    • Sam Goff, Lecturer in Animation
  • LMU’s Catholic values of social justice and the dignity of each person are at the center of decision-making. There is longstanding tradition in Catholic teaching that emphasizes the importance of management and labor collaborating to promote the common good. We are committed to fostering a respectful and collaborative environment in all aspects of this process as we work towards a fair and equitable agreement.