The University of Nebraska at Kearney Education Association (UNKEA) is the professional association for full time faculty at the University of Nebraska at Kearney. It is the body that negotiates the Collective Bargaining Agreement with the University of Nebraska Board of Regents. UNKEA is affiliated with the Nebraska State Education Association and the National Education Association.
Over 50 years at UNK
Collective bargaining has been on the UNK campus since 1972. Over this forty-two year period faculty interests have been represented first by the Kearney State Education Association and now UNKEA. The Education Association is the legal collective bargaining agent for all full-time, ranked, instructional faculty here at UNK. This is probably the most important role we have as a union. It involves bi-annual meetings with representatives of the Board of Regents and UNK’s administration to discuss issues such as wages, benefits, conditions of work and the grievance process. The contract can be accessed on this website. The contract covers the working conditions of all full-time faculty at UNK, whether you are a member of the union or not.
Faculty Resource
Throughout the year UNKEA is a resource to assist members/non-members who have concerns or problems or just wish information or someone to speak with about clarifying procedures and policies. For those who may be considering filing a grievance and/or who may feel that their department or college may be violating the contract the UNK Education Association is the faculty support resource. The majority of these concerns usually are resolved before a grievance is filed. For members of the association a UNKEA representative may also accompany you in meetings with the administration. UNKEA members are never on their own or alone when issues arise. The UNKEA is present to offer support and guidance.
Legal Representation
In addition, via our affiliation with NSEA, UNKEA members have access to independent legal counsel if this is deemed necessary. Typically, members of the executive board will field your concerns and we will try our best to address them.
