The United Faculty (UF), representing instructors at Diablo Valley College (DVC), has failed to recognize the special problems of collective bargaining in the academic setting and has instead employed a muscular unionism which limits dialog among teachers, administrators, and trustees. This failure is reflected in current collective bargaining activities at DVC in which the UF, through its newsletter and the acquiescence of an intimidated administration, deprived union membership of a knowledge of all salary options being considered. Specifically, the UF held an election based on a 12% across the board salary agreement but failed to inform members of another option involving a 10% increase and a 19th step superannuation. In addition, faculty members who tried to expose this suppression were maligned by the UF, and administrators would not publically admit the availability of the second salary option. Such actions reveal the totalitarian nature of the UF board, whose members operate behind closed doors and thus avoid rank and file scrutiny. Although faculty unions may yet play a positive role, the present climate and uncommunicative rule only hinders the ability of administrators and instructors to provide quality education and develop public support. (JP)