June 30 Update

HERE IS THE REPORT FROM THE TABLE TEAM ABOUT NEGOTIATIONS ON JUNE 2 

In addition to bargaining team members, 12 faculty from UAOU’s bargaining unit attended as observers at today’s bargaining session. These observers were faculty members who expressed an interest in observing the bargaining process to better understand what happens at the table. 

However, when the Administration team walked in to start the session, they objected to having observers and walked out of the bargaining room when they were told that the UAOU members were there to stay and observe the bargaining process. 

A contentious sidebar then took place where several members of the Administration and UAOU negotiating teams discussed each side’s position. The Administration team expressed concerns that observers change the dynamic in the room and cited Ohio Revised Code and case law. Neither we, nor our AFT lawyer, agreed with their interpretation of the law.  We had previously consulted with UAOU’s lawyer and AFT reps, as well as cited precedence of other bargaining proceedings which were open to faculty (e.g., Miami University's).

It is the UAOU Table Team’s position that OU faculty members should be able to observe the process, as the contract is for them. We had talked through the role and responsibilities of observers (e.g., quiet participation, private proceedings).  UAOU formed, at least partially, due to lack of transparency at Ohio University. We would add that the Administration team is welcome to bring their own observers to the table. Having observers in the room is an opportunity to build mutual trust and transparency in the process. 

During a sidebar discussion (outside of the bargaining room), we were given a counter proposal to our Discipline article that we had initially proposed on October 8. We were able to work quickly to give them back a counter. We also gave them our counter proposal to the Grievance Procedures, Mediation and Arbitration article. While we were glad that we were able to work on these proposals via sidebars, neither side believes that this is an efficient process.

Our next scheduled negotiating dates are July 23 and July 30 from 12 pm - 5 pm. Transparency at the bargaining table should not be controversial. The Administration's response today only underscores why faculty engagement is so important. We encourage every faculty member to stay informed, join us at future bargaining sessions, talk with colleagues about what is happening at the table, and be prepared to take collective action as we continue fighting for a fair first contract. The stronger and more visible our membership is, the stronger our position at the bargaining table will be.

For more specific information regarding the proposals and tentative agreements, please see the proposal tracker at https://www.uaou.org/bargaining-tracker