Safeguarding LMU's Future: A Message from LMU Board Chair Paul Viviano

Dear LMU Community,

Today, the LMU Board of Trustees shares essential guidance concerning the university’s relationship with labor unions representing its employees. Over the past year, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) certified unions representing some non-tenure-track and visiting faculty at LMU, and the university subsequently entered into collective bargaining in good faith. After extensive analysis of the union’s proposals, the Board of Trustees has unanimously adopted an important decision, summarized below, directing President Poon and university leaders to:

• Invoke LMU’s constitutionally protected religious exemption from the jurisdiction of the National Labor Relations Board. As a result, LMU will no longer recognize labor unions representing its employees for purposes of the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) and will not participate in collective bargaining under that statute. This exemption is focused and limited to current and future labor organizing activities and preserves the institutional autonomy necessary to serve and support students in fulfillment of LMU’s Catholic educational mission.
  
  
• Address faculty concerns directly. The Board of Trustees recognizes the urgency of developing solutions that strengthen support for faculty and staff. LMU remains committed to engaging meaningfully and equitably, but how the university engages matters. Catholic Social Teaching affirms the dignity of work and workers’ rights while also calling leaders to safeguard the common good. For LMU, that means addressing concerns through direct dialogue and shared governance, rather than through third-party intermediaries who may not share the university’s mission or student-centered focus. This approach best advances progress and mutual responsibility for student success.

Why we made this decision: putting students first. During the last ten months of bargaining, the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) presented 39 proposals that the university considered and evaluated with care. The costs of those proposals—or a likely negotiated settlement—likely would have required unprecedented tuition increases of 18%, significant layoffs, and sweeping reductions in programs and services. Such outcomes are not in the best interests of LMU students or their families, and would jeopardize the university’s near-term viability and long-term sustainability. Therefore, invoking the religious exemption is necessary because the impact of the union’s proposals would place LMU’s distinctive culture, values, and financial health at genuine risk. In short, we reached this decision because the university must continue to put students—and the common good of the entire institution—first.

What this does not change. This decision does not alter LMU’s steadfast commitments to Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, federal and state civil-rights protections, healthcare, or non-discrimination. LMU invokes its religious exemption only when its ability to educate or serve its students would otherwise be impaired. This decision also does not affect unionized colleagues who are not directly employed by the university, such as food-service workers or employees of LMU’s partner organizations.

What happens next. President Poon and university leaders will provide guidance on the path ahead, including solutions and specific processes for direct engagement.

While the decision is final, the Board of Trustees shares this guidance, mindful of the debate it may generate, yet is confident that fidelity to LMU’s mission will prevail. I am deeply grateful for the trust of LMU’s students and families, the dedication of its faculty and staff, and the support of alumni and friends who believe in the promise of an LMU education.

With respect and gratitude,
Paul S. Viviano
Chair, Board of Trustees