Howard University Faculty Announces Plans to Go On Strike Over Working Conditions

On Wednesday, multiple Howard University professors and students threatened to strike over alleged negligent working conditions.

The monthlong housing protest with Howard University students may have ended last year, but the institution is catching heat from faculty members. During a demonstration on Wednesday, some university faculty members — including multiple professors and students — threatened to execute a strike beginning next week if their needs aren't met by Friday.

According to NewsOne, campus tension arises from non-tenured faculty members who've voiced concerns on not receiving sufficient benefits including job stability, fair pay and appreciation for their teaching. University workers seek improved conditions from the university, including pay raises to non-union faculty, the investment of tens of millions into the faculty retiree plan and preventing group layoffs during the pandemic.

If their needs aren't met by Friday, Howard faculty plans to protest beginning Wednesday, March 23rd.

“Throughout our negotiations with the Howard Teaching Faculty Union, we have remained diligent in our engagements with Union representation and consistent in our efforts to reach an agreement,” Howard said in a statement. “Our commitment to a peaceful bargaining process has not changed and we will continue advancing good faith efforts to reach an agreement with the Union and address the needs of adjunct and non-tenure track faculty.”

Last fall, the university made headlines for alleged poor on-campus housing conditions. Protesting students highlighted inadequate dorm conditions where they lived with water damage, mold and pests such as mice and roaches.

On October 12, students coalition Live Movement, began protesting by sleeping in tents and on air mattresses at the school’s Blackburn Center. Civil rights leaders supported the protest, including Rev. Jesse Jackson, who visited Howard in November to negotiate agreements between university President Wayne A.I. Frederick and students.