In Re Grievance of Verderber

**What Happened** The Vermont State Colleges Federation filed a grievance on behalf of instructor Verderber regarding EDP (Extended Degree Program) courses at Johnson State College. The union claimed that these courses should be considered regular bargaining unit work that falls under their contract, and that EDP instructors should be treated as part-time faculty members covered by the union agreement. This dispute centered on whether certain educational programs and their instructors fall under existing union protections. **What the Court Decided** The Vermont Supreme Court sided with the college and upheld the Labor Relations Board's earlier decision. The court ruled that EDP courses are not bargaining unit work and that instructors teaching these courses are not part of the part-time faculty union. This meant the union's grievance was rejected, and Verderber could not claim union protections for this type of work. **Why This Matters for Workers** This ruling shows how important it is for workers to understand exactly which jobs and programs are covered by their union contracts. Not all work performed at a unionized workplace automatically falls under union protection. Workers should carefully review their bargaining agreements to know which positions qualify for union representation and benefits, especially in educational settings with diverse program offerings.