Faithful Catholics and allies stand with the non-tenure track faculty at Loyola Marymount University.

On September 12, 2025, LMU’s Board of Trustees announced that it would no longer recognize the faculty union representing its non-tenure track professors—invoking a “religious exemption” to end collective bargaining. This decision directly contradicts Catholic Social Doctrine, which affirms that the right to organize comes from God, not the NLRB.

The Church has been clear—from Rerum Novarum to Economic Justice for All:

“All church institutions must fully recognize the rights of employees to organize and bargain collectively with the institution through whatever association or organization they freely choose.”

Last week, LMU’s faculty voted by 90% to authorize a strike if the administration refuses to return to the bargaining table. They hope it doesn’t come to that—but they are prepared to act with courage and conscience to defend their rights and their students’ future.

As members and friends of the Catholic Labor Network, we call on Loyola Marymount University’s leadership to honor its Catholic identity by resuming negotiations and recognizing the union chosen by its faculty.

We stand in solidarity with LMU’s faculty, with SEIU, and with all workers striving to exercise their God-given right to organize for the common good.

We urge LMU’s President, Board of Trustees, and Jesuit leaders to return to the bargaining table in good faith—so that justice, dialogue, and Catholic identity may prevail.

✍️ Add your name in solidarity.