Penn State faculty have voted to unionize in what was Pennsylvania’s largest public sector organizing election in nearly 50 years.
Organizers said on Thursday that 2,510 faculty members voted yes and 847 voted no on forming the Penn State Faculty Alliance, which will be affiliated with SEIU Local 668. More than 5,000 faculty university-wide were eligible to vote in the election held April 1 to May 6.
The Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board began tabulating the ballots on Wednesday.
“As faculty, we all came together to achieve a collective voice in Penn State’s decision-making,” Marissa Baez, adjunct lecturer in arts and architecture at the University Park campus and a PSFA Organizing Committee member, said in a statement. “Now, we can move forward as educators to create a better work environment for all faculty and support the best learning environment for our students.”
A Penn State spokesperson said the university is aware of the results but declined further comment until the vote is certified.
“Because the results are not yet official and remain subject to the PLRB certification process, the University will share additional information with faculty following certification of the election results,” the spokesperson wrote in an email.
Once certified, the union will represent tenured and contingent, full-time and part-time faculty at the University Park campus, Commonwealth Campuses and University Libraries. Faculty in positions defined as managerial are not eligible. PSFA wrote on its website that the university used an “overly expansive definition of ‘supervisor’” that excluded a number of faculty from the election, a position the organizers say they may ask the PLRB to rule on when collective bargaining begins.
The union can begin negotiating a contract with the university, a process that is expected to take about one year, after the election results have been certified. Before a new contract is ratified, member faculty will still have the right to union representation in any potential disciplinary proceedings. Union dues will be 1.39% of gross pay, and will not be owed until members approve a new contract.
“This is a win for all Penn State faculty and an incredible opportunity to advocate for higher education in Pennsylvania,” Beth Seymour, teaching professor of anthropology at Penn State Altoona and PSFA Organizing Committee member, said in a statement. “We encourage all faculty to join PSFA and get involved, as we look forward to working with the University and quickly negotiating a strong contract for the faculty. Together we will build a strong future for our entire University community,” stated Beth Seymour, Teaching Professor of Anthropology at Penn State Altoona and PSFA Organizing Committee member.”
Penn State will become the last of Pennsylvania’s four state-related universities with unionized faculty. Pitt, Temple and Lincoln each have faculty unions.
The election comes after years of organizing efforts and follows in the wake of Penn State graduate students voting last fall to form a union affiliated with the United Auto Workers International Region 9.
PSFA publicly announced the effort to form a union in February 2025, soon after university administration said it planned to close several Commonwealth Campuses. They cited a raft of university decisions, including changes to health care benefits, reorganization of university structures, employee buyout programs, new budget models and the Commonwealth Campuses, as the reason for needing a stronger voice for faculty.
After surpassing the necessary authorization cards from at least 30% of eligible faculty, the PSFA filed for the election in December.
In March, organizers accused university administration of breaking its pledge to remain neutral on the election, pointing to what the alliance called “anti-union meetings” with faculty. A university spokesperson at the time said the meetings were merely informational and intended to promote an open dialogue.
More than 100 state lawmakers signed a letter calling on the Penn State administration to remain neutral toward faculty unionization.
Julio Palma, associate professor of chemistry at Penn State Fayette and a PSFA Organizing Committee member, said in a statement on Thursday that although it was a long road to union victory, their work is just beginning.
“The road toward equity, fairness, and better working conditions is never easy,” Palma said. “Our effort has always been about dignity, shared governance, protecting academic freedom, and ensuring that faculty have a meaningful voice in the future of Penn State.
“We are committed to being truly representative, democratic, and inclusive of all faculty in our bargaining unit. We are also committed to working constructively with the administration toward a strong first contract. This is not the end of the process. It is the beginning of the hard and important work ahead to help uphold the University’s mission and values.”
Affiliating with SEIU Local 668, the PSFA is partnering organization that represents 25,000 public service employees across Pennsylvania. Nationwide, SEIU represents than 50,000 college and university faculty members at 60 campuses.
“Every worker deserves a seat at the table, and SEIU 668 is committed to fighting for that right and opportunity in every corner of the Commonwealth.” SEIU 668 President Steve Catanese said in a statement. “Now that Penn State faculty have won their seat at the table, our commitment and focus turn to bargaining a transformational first contract for faculty at every campus.”
