On August 31, 2023, the parties resumed negotiations and focused on remaining economic issues. The Union’s economic proposals demand at least a 25-35% increase in compensation minimums and additional 6.5% salary increases every year. In response to the Union’s request for revised economic proposals, the University presented an enhanced settlement offer in effort to bring the negotiations to a close. The University offered a five-year contract including new compensation minimums effective July 1, 2023, of $65,000 for Postdoctoral Scientists, Scholars, and Fellows and of $71,606 for Associate Research Scientists and Scholars, and annual compensation increases of at least 3%. Among other enhancements, the University’s offer includes a hardship fund for reimbursement of unexpected medical expenses and housing assistance, a $3,500 annual payment to Fellows for retirement, and provisions for a relocation payment for new employees and reimbursement of entry visa stamp renewal costs for international employees. The University asked the Union to support the offer and take it to their members for ratification or to offer a realistic counter to move the parties to settlement. The University again requested neutral mediation. The Union requested time to discuss the offer before responding.
