The mission of Syracuse University Labor Relations is to promote positive labor-management relations using an interest-based approach that supports the University’s overall mission and strategic plan. We strive to ensure fair and equitable application of University policies and the provisions of all applicable collective bargaining agreements — to the benefit of both management and labor. We engage in conflict resolution, grievance management, and mediation to address labor and employment matters in a timely and effective manner.
Service Employees International Union (SEIU)
4 bargaining units – Represented by SEIU Local 200United.
Represents service, maintenance, and library technicians. The University’s largest bargaining unit.
Covered Departments:
- Food Services
- Facilities Services
- University Libraries
- JMA Wireless Dome
SEIU Local 200United Office Information
SEIU Local 200United
701 Erie Boulevard West
Syracuse, NY 13204
Phone: (315) 424-1750
Union Representatives:
Chair
Josh Benedict | (315) 775-3275 | Jpbenedi@syr.edu
Vice Chair
Adema King | (315) 558-3086 | adeking@syr.edu
Chief Steward, Grounds
Mike Hall | (315) 897-0207 | Mphall01@syr.edu
Chief Steward, Libraries
Vanessa Dismuke | (315) 415-7727 | vldismuk@syr.edu
Chief Steward, Trades
A.J. Harris | (315) 402-0201 | Ajharr02@syr.edu
Chief Steward, Housekeeping
Liz Hughes | (315) 876-0092 | Emhughes@syr.edu
Chief Steward, Food Services
Jay Rank | (315) 278-0685 | jarank@syr.edu
Chief Steward, Food Services
Vacant
Chief Steward, Custodial
Vernice Henderson | (315) 807-6616 | vlsander@syr.edu
Union Representative
Doug McClure | (315) 374-1169 | dmcclure@local200united.org
A chapter of SEIU Local 200United representing graduate assistant employees at Syracuse University.
Represents:
- Graduate Assistants
Union Representatives:
- Chair – Cameron Farrar – Email: cfarrar@syr.edu
- Chief Steward – Breck Meagher – Email: bnmeaghe@syr.edu
- Chief Steward – R. Hayden Courtney (513)543-3413
- Union Representative – Suzanne Holland – Email: sholland@local200united.org
Represents approximately 1,200 hourly student workers across Food Service and Libraries.
Covered Departments:
- Food Services
- University Libraries
Union Representative:
- Courtney Cole
Email: ccole@local200united.org (315)391-3450
Represents administrative, technical, and professional staff across Academic Affairs, schools, and colleges.
Union Representative:
- SEIU Representative: Suzanne Holland – sholland@local200united.org
International Brotherhood of Teamsters
3 bargaining units – Represented by International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Local 317.
Timothy Bevard
Business Agent
International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Local 317
Email: tbevard@teamsterslocal317.org
Phone: 315.317.3128
CDL-licensed drivers and transit staff supporting SU’s parking and transportation operations.
Stewards:
- Tim Irwin – tairwin@syr.edu
- Stacy Thomas – sthomas29@syr.edu
- Diana Delaney – djdelane@syr.edu
Approximately 12 public safety dispatchers supporting Department of Public Safety operations.
Stewards:
- Bailey Pattilo-bhpattil@syr.edu
Approximately 6 fire and life safety inspection staff. Tentative Agreement reached September 2025.
Stewards:
- Jordan Davie-jodavie@syr.edu
Adjuncts United
Affiliated with New York State United Teachers (NYSUT), NEA & AFT — representing Part-Time Faculty.
Adjuncts United represents most of Syracuse University’s part-time instructors and adjunct faculty and has successfully negotiated collective bargaining agreements since 2008.
Union Representatives:
- President: Laurel Morton – lsmorton@syr.edu
- Treasurer: Kari Shaw – keshaw@syr.edu
- NYSUT Representative: Heather Clemens – heather.clemens@nysut.org
Department of Public Safety Officers Union
Affiliated with Council 82 and represents sworn public safety personnel responsible for campus security and safety operations.
Representing sworn public safety officers and community service officers at Syracuse University.
Union Representatives:
- President: Dominick Perioli – dlperiol@syr.edu
- Vice President: John Romano – jcromano@syr.edu
- Secretary: Jeffrey Mertell – jmertell@syr.edu
- Treasurer: Jonathon Bennett – jbenne06@syr.edu
Labor Relations Contacts
For questions regarding collective bargaining agreements, grievances, disciplinary matters, or new employee orientation.
Phone: 315.443.5869
Email: jjderosi@syr.edu
Phone: 315.443.6719
Email: rlrelefo@syr.edu
Phone: 315.443.7186
Email: yojohnso@syr.edu
Phone: 315.443.4624
Email: vesakows@syr.edu