September 16 Update
Report From The Table Team: September 16 Negotiations
Today was an important day in moving forward on more discussions about financial-related proposals. We started the time at the table with the Administrative team by giving them more dates in October, again advocating that we meet for full days, not partial days, so that we can make the most progress possible. We also reiterated and clarified some requests for information [that we are waiting on] are necessary to ensure that our proposals are based on the most current information.
We passed multiple counter proposals to the administrative team, including Education Benefits, Benefits, Non-Academic Leaves, Sabbaticals, Faculty Rank and Classification, and Parking. These proposals are part of a “package,” meaning we might modify some of our asks in these counter offers depending on the administration’s willingness to move further towards our requests in others, particularly our priorities.
These were proposals that we originally proposed in the fall of 2025 and the Administration team countered in August of 2026.
Although the administration continues to repeat the line about UAOU getting what everyone else gets, we are working to include language in our counters that will protect faculty from unnecessary increases in benefits costs. We are also keeping our eye on improving working conditions for faculty of all ranks and classifications.
Finally, negotiations unfortunately ended early today due to an unexpected fire alarm in the Baker Center. We were able to meet with our team outside the building and make plans to send the final counterproposals in our package to the Admin team for their consideration before our next bargaining session on Wednesday, September 23 from (1 to 5 pm) at the Baker Center. The remaining articles include Compensation, Faculty Retention and Additional Compensation, and Appointments and Renewals.
Faculty once again joined us for a work-in outside the bargaining room, including some new faces. Every colleague who shows up strengthens our voice at the table. That visible solidarity, alongside strong public support from our students and others in the OU community, will help us win a great first contract. Join us at the next bargaining session!
The decisions being made at the bargaining table will shape our pay, benefits, and working conditions for years to come. Every bargaining unit member needs to know what’s at stake and be ready to act. Read our proposals, look closely at the administration’s counters, and see what we’ve won so far. Then talk with your colleagues and help build the pressure we need to win a fair first contract.
If you have any questions or comments, reach out at unitedacademicsofou@gmail.com.
Our next scheduled negotiating date is Wednesday, August 26 (1pm – 5pm) at Baker Center.
For more specific information regarding the proposals and tentative agreements, please see the proposal tracker at https://www.uaou.org/bargaining-tracker
