April 29, 2024
“It was awesome to see Milner faculty standing together. They are crucial to how our department runs and how our students learn.” Camille Cole, History
The April 29th session opened with signing our first tentative agreement, on the electronic availability of the final agreement! This is very exciting, as it is the first step of movement towards building our UFISU contract.
UFISU then presented a counter-proposal package and separate counter-proposals. Lead spokesperson Ashley Farmer (CJS) described the intention behind them, and Mark Bennett asked a few clarifying questions that were noted to be discussed in the caucus.
Faculty testimonials included four faculty from Milner along with other librarians who were there in support. The testimonies revealed the important work that Librarians do for faculty and our students. They highlighted that librarians are covered by ASPT policies and are also responsible for teaching, research and service, the same as other tenure-line faculty. Milner Library testimonials included: Angela Bonnell (given by Mallory Jallas), Joshua Newport, Chad Kahl, and Vanette Schwartz. These were powerful and important descriptions of their work requirements, which align with tenure-track faculty responsibilities and expectations. Bennett thanked the faculty for their testimonies and responded that it was a matter of law and not personal. As noted after the session by Joshua Newport (Milner) with a nod toward Orwell, “all faculty are equal, but some faculty are more equal than others.”
Bennett then presented the administration’s counter-proposals, and gave their intention and asked for questions. We then went to caucus for two hours.
While we were caucusing, bargaining members worked on language for another upcoming proposal, as the table team worked on counters. When we returned from caucus, the administration’s team stated that they were not ready and plan to present their counters in our next session. After a two hour caucus, they came with questions, while we came with counters. The session ended with discussion about including the administration’s right to discipline faculty in any interference with university operations.
We need to hear from you about discipline policy. How is it working for you and your colleagues under the current ASPT? What could we bargain to make the discipline more fair and remedial as opposed to bullying and ganging up on faculty? In caucus, members learned about the 7 principles of just cause. Currently, we do not have the protection of just cause. You can learn more about Just Cause at this website from United Electrical, Radio & Machine Workers of America. This is a great reason to attend future sessions so your voice can be included!