Bargaining Session: July 25, 2019

On July 25, 2019, representatives of the University attended the eleventh bargaining session with the union committee that represents postdocs and ARSs.

The University presented a revised proposal on Employment Files incorporating the union committee’s request for a provision specifying that documents related to grievances would not become part of an employee’s file.  The University explained that its revised proposal is far more extensive and specific than provisions governing employment files in its other union contracts and suggested that the parties come to a tentative agreement on the proposal. The University also presented a revised proposal on Leaves of Absence that incorporates the current policy providing for child care leaves for either parent who is the primary caregiver for a total of 12 months, with partial salary for performing a portion of normal responsibilities.  The University explained how the proposed policies and benefits providing medical leave for pregnancy, childcare leave, and benefits associated with the New York State Paid Family Leave program combine to provide substantial flexibility and pay.

The union committee presented revised proposals on Recognition, Non-Discrimination and Harassment, and Grievance and Arbitration.  The parties engaged in a detailed discussion of the Non-Discrimination and Harassment proposal.  The University restated its concerns with the proposal’s broad sweep and the degree to which it overlaps with existing University policies and operational resources mandated by law.  The parties agreed to focus separately on timelines for the processing of discrimination and harassment complaints, and the union committee agreed to consider further revisions to simplify the proposal.

The next meeting is scheduled for July 29, 2019.