Labor unions were originally created to protect employees and to promote safer workplaces. Suffolk University’s adjuncts, or lecturers, as they are now called, have formed the Suffolk Affiliated Faculty (SAF). This new union is a chapter of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP).  It is no doubt that a huge accomplishment has been achieved. A contract has finally been signed and validated, however, SAF/AAUP lacks a component that many often associate with unions: strikes.

There are many benefits lecturers have recieved from the contract’s existence. Previous to it was instated, only a handbook printed by Suffolk served as a guide to rules and regulations for lecturers.

Due to the formation of SAF/AAUP and the contract in association with it, salaries have been increased, medical and dental insurance has been improved, and grievance policies have been defined more clearly. But at what cost?

Part of the contract between SAF/AAUP and the university is a section that bans strikes, leafleting, and picketing. What tool is the union going to use in order to get what they want? What negotiation tactic can be used when the right to speak freely and to protest peacefully is inhibited by a contract?

The right to protest is a constitutional right, however, individuals are often afraid to speak up in fear of consequences that may follow, such as losing their jobs. Unions have helped many find their voice and the strength to speak up and be heard. After three years of negotiating and twelve years of discussion, the lecturers shouldn’t have settled.

It’s pretty obvious that the economy is in a horrible state and times are tough, but no amount of money is worth giving up the right to protest and be heard.

Although we realize that it’s improbable a strike would ever take place at Suffolk, that the University would do anything to warrant a teacher strike or that the professors at this university would ever resort to striking when there are always less dramatic options, it the concept of giving up the option that is alarming.

In this country, peaceful protest is a human, inalienable right. And even if the time should come that the administration doesn’t want to head back to the negotiating table to give adjunct faculty the pay and health benefits that they ask for and deserve, why shouldn’t they be allowed to hand out leaflets?

Anyone should be able to voice their mind and their opinions without fear of retribution. And should the time ever come that the faculty of Suffolk University are being treated unfairly and all other options have been exhausted, they should be allowed to do what unions do best: strike.