Bargaining Session: July 18, 2019

On July 18, 2019, representatives of the University attended the tenth bargaining session with the union committee that represents postdocs and ARSs.

The parties discussed the union committee’s revised proposals on Travel, Training and Orientation, and Workspace and Materials and came to tentative agreement on proposals reflecting agreed-to modifications. 

In addition, the University presented revised proposals on Grievance, Arbitration, and Employment Files, as well as a first proposal on Compensation. 

The University’s modified Grievance proposal provides a mechanism in the collective bargaining agreement for adjudicating grievances alleging violations of the University’s EOAA policy.  The modification was informed by the union committee’s call for contract provisions addressing sexual and other forms of discrimination and harassment, and the committee’s prioritization of this issue.  The modified proposal would allow such grievances to be brought subsequent to the processing of a complaint in accordance with the University’s established EOAA procedures. 

The parties spent the balance of the session discussing the union committee’s Workload proposal and alternative mechanisms, including leave policies, to meet full-time employees’ need for periods of flexibility to accommodate child care.  The discussions were productive.

The next meeting is scheduled for July 25, 2019.