Discussion of many issues continued at July 29 bargaining session

The bargaining session on Thursday, July 29, lasted about 5 hours. Prior to the start of the bargaining session, the Faculty Team spent a considerable amount of time on Wednesday evening and early Thursday morning preparing responses to administration concerns that had been raised at Wednesday’s bargaining session.

No issues were resolved at the Thursday session, but the Faculty Team said the discussion covered many topics that will be part of a new contract agreement.

“All of the contract articles and issues are now on the table,” said Faculty Chief Negotiator Greg Klein. “We’re making progress in some areas, and we remain far apart in other areas.”

“Unfortunately, some of the administrators returned today to making statements that are upsetting to hear,” Greg said.

“For some of the issues we are talking about, the administration still seems unwilling to fully recognize the hard work of the faculty over the last three years, and the achievements we’ve had in helping our students succeed despite cut-backs in College resources, not to mention a global pandemic,” Greg said.

Faculty Team member Abbey Yee said, “The administration also is continuing to question at times whether the AAUP Bargaining Team members really understand faculty concerns.”

“Considering how much time AAUP has spent over the past several years listening to faculty and gathering information, we’re confident the administrators who are saying we’re ‘out of touch’ with our faculty colleagues are wrong,” Abbey added.

Greg said, “The Faculty Team will continue to listen to administration concerns, though, as we keep working to reach a reasonable and fair agreement on a new contract.”

Bargaining starts again on July 30 at 9 a.m.