Unionism at Wesleyan University Philippines (WUP): The WUP Faculty and Staff Association (WUPFSA) Experience

This research investigated the experiences of union members from Wesleyan University Philippines (WUP) based on the WUP Faculty and Staff Association (WUPFSA). Employing a descriptive research design, the research sought to determine the advantages gained from being a member of the union and challenges faced by its members during the 2024–2025 academic year. A sample of 108 respondents was chosen using simple random sampling. The information indicated that union members agreed overwhelmingly that unionism had a favorable effect, with most in agreement that the union successfully guards members' rights, tends to specific needs, and reinforces a good sense of unity and fellow feeling among workers. The most highly recognized value was the perception of unity and belonging that comes with union membership, followed by its ability to negotiate improved working conditions and enhance employee morale and job satisfaction. While these are noted in positive terms, union members also reported moderate difficulties that affect their experiences. Some of the outstanding issues were recurrent resistance from the administration in putting agreed-upon benefits in place, communication breakdowns between the university administration and the union, and uncertainty regarding job security. The enforcement of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) also became an ongoing issue. These results imply that although the union is generally effective in providing assistance and enhancing solidarity, there remains a need to streamline communication avenues and maintain consistent enforcement of agreements. In general, the research indicates both the positive contribution of unionism at WUP as well as areas in need of strategic focus to improve labor relations and organizational harmony further.