Contract bargaining session: July 13, 2022


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 spite of the many places where we see a clear path forward, there are still proposals where we remain far apart and this is disappointing. They rejected for a second time our proposal on creating a transparent layoff process. They did say they have heard our concerns and will respond in the next session with their own proposal, but it is dismaying that so far they have not engaged with us on our language. We also made progress on contract language in sections of proposals. Even without TAs, every session gets us closer to a contract!

At 4pm with only an hour left in the day, we decided to finish the session by going into caucus, but not returning to counter-propose.

Continue to show your support for our union by wearing buttons and changing Zoom backgrounds to our logo! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to keep up with the latest updates. Reach out to us with questions or ideas through social media, weekly lunch break office hours, or by asking a bargaining committee member.

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