NULWU blog

The NULWU Bargaining Team, along with representatives from SEIU 73, held the fifth bargaining meeting yesterday with the University over non-economic proposals. We are happy to announce that we made considerable progress including reaching tentative agreements on the following articles:    Discipline - we ensured that the University will follow progressive discipline, which means that in nearly all cases, discipline will start at a verbal warning. The University also must follow the principles of just cause, which requires adequate notice for new rules and a thorough investigation, amongst other things.  Health and Safety - we negotiated language that ensures the University will promptly notify union members of any changes to safety rules and also a guarantee that they will provide personal protective equipment (PPE).  Grievance Procedure - we now have a process to address any violations of our future union contract and also any violations of University policies!...

The union bargaining team along with representatives from SEIU 73 met with the University representatives yesterday from 1-5pm. This was our fourth bargaining session. We are still making our way through the non-economic proposals! Yesterday the bargaining team went first, presenting seven proposals to the University. A member of our bargaining team spoke about the experience of working past their scheduled time without notice. When we were finished presenting, we went into caucus so the University representatives could discuss the proposals. When we returned, the University presented 10 counter-proposals. Even though we were not able to reach any TAs (tentative agreements), we did make significant progress. For example, we believe we can reach agreements on the grievance procedure, disciplinary process, and an agreement that ensures we will have an active Labor Management Committee in the next session. The University agreed to withdraw two of their proposals for being redundant. In sp...