August 6 Update

HERE IS THE REPORT FROM THE TABLE TEAM ABOUT NEGOTIATIONS ON AUGUST 6

The Administrative team again arrived late for our August 6 bargaining session, continuing an unfortunate pattern.  Nevertheless, we were able to get back on track with the administration presenting counterproposals on Parking, Educational Benefits, and Employee Benefits, three articles that have been on the table since last fall. The proposals share a common theme as expressed by the admin team: maintaining similar access to university programs for bargaining-unit faculty and non-union employees while preserving broad administrative discretion over those programs. We are reviewing the language carefully, particularly in the context of potential increases in faculty costs and in anticipation of the financial proposals that remain unanswered.

We then presented our latest counterproposal on Grievance Procedure, Mediation, and Arbitration. The administration caucused for nearly two hours before returning with a counterproposal that resulted in a tentative agreement. This foundational article creates a clear process for enforcing the rights and protections we secure in our first contract, a meaningful victory for our union.

Finally, the administration presented its fourth counterproposal of the day, covering Sabbaticals, which our team is now reviewing.

The continued presence of UAOU members at bargaining is having a real impact. When members fill the room, participate in caucus, and witness negotiations firsthand, the administration sees that our bargaining team is backed by an informed, engaged, and united membership. 

Our next bargaining session is Monday, August 24, the first day of the fall semester at the Baker Center from 11 am – 5 pm. Join us for a faculty cheer-in and help send a powerful message: faculty are united, paying attention, and ready to win a fair first contract.  RSVP to join us for a faculty cheer-in to kick off the fall semester at [ADD RSVP]

In addition to August 24 , we will have a quick turnaround for another session August 26 from 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm.

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