Temple University and the Temple Association of University Professionals (TAUP), the union representing full- and part-time faculty members, librarians and academic professionals at 13 of Temple’s 17 schools and colleges, have come to an agreement on a new five-year contract.  

The contract, which includes significant wage increases, heightened job security for non-tenure-track (NTT) faculty members and adjuncts, as well as expanded benefits, goes into effect immediately, and it will expire May 31, 2028. It was approved by Temple’s Board of Trustees during the board’s October meeting. It was then ratified by TAUP’s members on Oct. 15. 

According to TAUP, out of the bargaining unit’s 979 eligible voters, more than 730 took part in the voting process, with 98% voting yes to ratify the agreement. 

“We always think of contract negotiations as being a contentious thing, but my career here at Temple has shown me that that is not normally the case. I have always been impressed with how two sides can work in collaboration to find common ground, and that is exactly what happened here,” said President Richard M. Englert. “I am so proud of and grateful to the negotiating teams from both Temple and TAUP, as they worked diligently to reach a mutually beneficial agreement that rewards our hardworking faculty members but also helps keep a Temple education affordable.” 

Temple and TAUP have been bargaining since August 2023, and TAUP’s previous agreement expired Oct. 15, 2023. The negotiating teams worked for 14 months to reach this agreement, which is viewed as a significant accomplishment for both faculty and the university. 

“We are excited to come to agreement on what we believe to be a really strong deal for all sides,” said Sharon Boyle, vice president of human resources. “For TAUP, this is a historic contract, as it includes some of the largest raises that the faculty union has ever received, and it also exceeds recent other contracts seen at peer institutions. I sincerely appreciate everyone’s efforts over the last year as we have worked to bring the negotiation process to completion.” 

Some of the highlights from the new agreement include the following. 

• All full-time faculty members, librarians and academic professionals will receive a $10,000 across-the-board raise. 
• In subsequent years, through May 2028, full-time TAUP members will receive 3% across-the-board raises with an up to 1% merit pool in each of those years. 
• The adjunct per-credit minimum will increase to $2,250 (up from $1,600); for a traditional three-credit course, the minimum payment is now $6,750. 
• Both NTT faculty members and adjunct faculty members will have increased job security. 
• Adjuncts in the bargaining unit as of fall 2023 and/or spring 2024 will receive a one-time payment of $500.  

The new agreement goes into effect immediately. 

“For everyone who has been involved, it is nice to bring these negotiations to a conclusion and come to an agreement. It brings a level of certainty for our students, faculty and staff,” said Ken Kaiser, senior vice president and chief operating officer. “It is also the latest example of Temple reaching a positive outcome with one of its bargaining units. We look forward to continuing to work and collaborate with TAUP and all our 11 unions well into the future.”