What is collective bargaining?

Collective bargaining is the legal process for reaching a union contract. Both the administration and our union have an obligation to bargain in good faith. That means the administration has to provide the union with key information, move proposals forward and can’t intimidate or threaten workers.

What is a contract?

A contract is a legal agreement between our employer, the University of Pittsburgh, and our union, the United Steelworkers.

The contract will cover conditions of our work:

• pay

• benefits

• time off

• transparency

• seniority

• job security

• protections against unfair treatment or termination
  

Who negotiates our contract?

Our Bargaining Committee is made up of:

• 11 elected Pitt Staff who represent a range of departments, job classes and campuses,

• bargaining and technical experts from the USW,

• and led by our Bargaining Chair, USW District 10 Director Bernie Hall.

The Bargaining Committee develops proposals based on feedback from Pitt Staff collected throughout the organizing campaign, bargaining survey and through our Communication & Action Team (CAT).

Learn more about the CAT here.

What happens when we reach an agreement?

All union members will get to vote to ratify (approve) or reject a tentative agreement (TA). If the TA is approved, then the contract is passed and will go into effect as established in the agreement.

Only union members, those who have signed a union card, will be eligible to vote. Union cards will be available early in 2025. Look for more info from a CAT member!