Bargaining Session: November 14, 2019

On November 14, 2019, representatives of the University attended the twentieth bargaining session with the union committee that represents Postdocs and ARSs.

The University presented a revised proposal on Grievance and Arbitration and a new proposal on Copyright and Intellectual Property. 

The Union presented revised proposals on Appointments and Reappointments and Health and Safety.

The University noted that in response to concerns expressed by the union bargaining committee, its proposal on Copyright and Intellectual Property includes a provision specifically prohibiting retaliation against an employee who asserts intellectual property rights. 

The Union explained that its revisions to its proposal on Appointments and Reappointments, calling for minimum reappointments of two (2) years instead three (3) years for first reappointments, should be considered together with the Union’s previously presented proposal on Leaves and the possibility that the Union would accept the University’s proposals on Holidays and Vacation which reflect current policy.  The University explained that because it could not agree to a holiday schedule or vacation policy applicable only to the Posdocs and ARSs, the group of agreements suggested by the Union as a potential compromise could not be considered.

The University questioned why the Union’s revised proposal on Health and Safety continues to include a provision permitting grievances to be initiated at an advanced stage, raising concerns about how acceleration toward arbitration could impede rather than promote issue resolution by the Office of Environmental Health and Safety.

The parties engaged in an extended discussion the Union’s Non-Discrimination proposal and the University’s EOAA policy.

The next session is scheduled for November 25, 2019.