May 7, 2024
“Twice it was noted (by Atty. Mark Bennett and Provost’s office administrators) that there are problems with the existing administrative process, and they wanted to know more details because they want to correct it. However, the current answer is to bring it to Craig Gatto’s attention, but who knows what the process is? Who knows how to address that? That's why we need it in writing.” Mark Z.
We are making solid movement towards agreements on a number of additional proposals! We officially signed our second agreement at the end of today’s session, on the Purpose proposal (that will be the introduction of the final agreement).
The May 7th session opened with the administration team presenting multiple individual counter-proposals, and one packaged counter-proposal, and noting the intention behind them. UFISU then presented their counter-proposals and the intention behind them. There were brief questions and discussions on the proposals, with no testimonials from UFISU today.
We caucused for two hours, and upon return the administration presented one counter-proposal, and UFISU presented three.
There was discussion on Personnel files and whether there were instances of secret or unofficial items in faculty files. One of the concerns for UFISU members is having items from anonymous sources or that are derogatory in nature in their files. If members do not know they exist, they cannot address them. AVP Craig Gatto noted that this should not be happening, but there is no current ISU policy around handling personnel information.
When lead spokesperson Ashley Farmer stated why we have particular language in our proposals to correct unfair practices being imposed on faculty, the response from the admin team was to ask who is saying that or who is having problems. Twice yesterday, the administration team asked for names, which we view as unprofessional and not responsive to larger issues. Part of the reason we’ve taken time to comprehensively propose articles is to correct the mistreatment of faculty in areas where there have been many complaints.
"We need all this other stuff (in a UF contract), it's not just about the money. It's about a University that claims to highly value DEIR, academic freedom, and its faculty, but far too often by action or inaction, the administration fails to demonstrate true commitment to these values and fails to adequately address their failures to adhere to their own policies, let alone their stated values.” (Gregory F.)
We look forward to seeing you at future bargaining sessions! Come see what proposals we are working on, how we describe our intentions and the needs of our members, and how we move forward in agreements!