April 10, 2024

“I have been programmed to believe that these working conditions are normal. They are not normal. I stay at ISU because I love my program, my colleagues, and my students. My only hope for change is this contract.” Lauren Lowell (Associate Professor, Theatre and Dance)

The April 10th session was overall productive. While it was challenging to deal with administration’s intransigence and occasional bad table manners, there were signals that the employer’s team would focus on contract provisions where the two sides were not far apart at the next session (April 23rd). Member participation has been consistently high, which helps us by placing pressure on the employer to negotiate in good faith. 

While UFISU rejected the majority of proposals from the administration, we resubmitted a number of proposals and counter-proposals, the latter with edits for clarity and intent, based on questions from the administration. We emphasized that our proposals reflect the needs of the faculty who formed this union, and that these are our attempts to solve the problems. If they are not appropriate for administration, they can suggest edits and alternatives that may provide solutions. Lead spokesperson, Ashley Farmer (CJS) presented the resubmissions and counter-proposals with the intent behind them, and why clarifications were implemented. Ashley cited the reasons for the Union’s position: “If current policies were working, we would not be here.” It was noted that in future meetings we plan to select specific proposals to work on simultaneously, in order to make more progress. In caucus, CAT members noted that they see clear, concrete solutions to many of the discussions about the proposal content. 

“People should be fairly compensated for the job they do. And if their job does not constitute a good work/life balance, measures need to be taken in order to achieve that goal.” John Tovar (Assistant Professor, Theatre and Dance)

Testimonials were given by John Tovar (Workload), Fusun Akman (Academic Freedom, Ethics, and Grievance Procedures), and a powerful video by Lauren Lowell (Health and Safety). 

On topics of university resources to support students, the new General Education Revision (included in Provost Dr. Ani Yazedjian’s  April 9th email) states interest in creating an additional writing center for students. This is directly in line with UFISU’s proposal to better fund student academic support, student mental health services, and emergency support services. 

“At the end of the day, we will have a contract, .... But to be clear, that means when Mr. Bennett is gone, the administrators here will be responsible for adhering to this agreement and making it work. So it is incumbent on the Administrators to be deeply involved in this process”.

Today’s session ended with UFISU providing a counter-proposal for posting the electronic copy of the agreement on the university website. We are hoping to make our first tentative agreement on this proposal in our next session. We look forward to making more progress soon in the following bargaining sessions. 

You can help us make progress by showing up to the sessions - your presence shows our strength!