AAUP Negotiations Update for July 13, 2018

The fifth and sixth negotiation sessions for a new Unit 1 contract took place Thursday and Friday, July 12 and 13.

Faculty team members said both sessions were relatively short, but provided opportunities for initial discussion of a range of concerns. The tone of bargaining sessions remains positive and productive.

Thursday’s session focused on compensation. Faculty member Tom Burns said, “We had a good discussion of how to address compensation issues at a time when the College is experiencing real financial challenges.”

At Friday’s session, the Faculty team presented proposals related to the article on Selection & Appointment, and the article that describes the work of Annually Contracted Faculty.

Faculty Chief Negotiator Pam Ecker said, “Over the past year, as the AAUP officers and the bargaining team members prepared for negotiations, we heard a lot of ideas and got a lot of feedback from faculty. We’re now trying to incorporate those points into the proposals we take to the table.”

“We haven’t yet discussed all of these ideas with the administration, but we look forward to continuing the conversations,” Pam said.

Because of obligations that affect members of both teams, only one bargaining session is scheduled for next week, on Monday, July 16.

The Faculty Team continues to greatly appreciate the lunches provided by the Faculty Support & Sustenance Committee, and thanks Meredith Effler, Mark Tiemeier, Ronnie Gladden, Mindy Piles, Paula Kirch Smith, and Peggy Rolfsen for this week’s contributions.

All AAUP bargaining unit members are invited to a “Beer & Bargaining Update” on Tuesday, July 31, from 3 to 5 p.m. in The Summit Restaurant. More information will be provided to members next week.