March 4, 2024

In today’s four-hour session, the administration’s team refused to give us counter proposals or sign Tentative Agreements on non-controversial articles such as making the contract available online. UFISU Spokesperson Ashley Farmer (CJS) opened today’s session by congratulating the administration on reaching an agreement with the Graduate Workers Union (GWU) on a contract. However, admin’s chief spokesperson, Mark Bennett of the Laner Muchin law firm, spent the session asking circular questions about existing ISU policy, including grievances and shared governance. Many of Bennett’s questions betrayed his ignorance of DFSC, CFSC, and Academic Senate, which was ironic since he was flanked at the table by administrators who presumably understand these topics. One UFISU member observed that “[admin] hired someone with a lack of understanding for how the university functions to negotiate a contract with us. I honestly wondered what some of his table team members were thinking.” Another member noted that it felt like Bennett’s questioning was designed to drive a wedge between the Academic Senate and faculty.

Ashley and the table team did an excellent job of answering questions, digging into current ISU policy, and giving examples of past scenarios that have been problematic. For their part, UFISU members offered questions and information via notes passed to floor whips Keith Pluymers and Derek Sparby, all of which helped to clarify the discussion. Many suspected that the administration’s lawyer seemed to be slowing down the negotiation process by focusing on policy minutiae, rather than responding to our proposals. 

We need you to help us move the administration by showing up to our next bargaining session on March 14th! We deserve counter proposals, and your presence will help us pressure them into moving forward. Talk to your colleagues, wear green on Thursdays, and come support us in the room during bargaining!