April 15, 2025

Key Takeaways

• We presented new proposals on Seniority, Involuntary Separation and Performance Evaluations to the administration.

• We continued our discussions surrounding Shared Governance, Union Rights, and Appointments.

On Monday, April 14, 2025 we presented three new proposals to the administration. We hope to provide staff with the ability to maintain their seniority (time of service to the university)  despite short breaks in service, such as those which would occur due to layoffs.  In the event that a bargaining unit staff member is laid off, this proposal would also provide them with preference  when applying to open positions.  

The Staff Council had brought an issue to our attention that led us to propose that bargaining unit employees who are involuntarily terminated should have the right to have a union representative present during any meetings about the separation. This proposal would also standardize the process for escorting employees off campus at the time of separation. 

Our proposal on Performance Evaluations will attempt to make the process more collaborative and productive for staff members, and was very well received by the administration. We look forward to an agreement on this soon. 

 We have several upcoming opportunities for union solidarity and engagement to tell you about. First, for staff at the Pittsburgh campus, we can join with the Union of Pitt Faculty and the rest of USW Local 1088 and the AAUP in Schenley Plaza on Thursday April 17, from Noon - 1 pm. We'll rally to defend higher education and free speech as part of a national day of action! https://www.dayofactionforhighered.org/

Next, the USW has a Rapid Response committee that handles grassroots education, communication and actions about labor and legislative issues, including the federal funding cuts that are affecting Pitt workers. If you want to hear more about the program and get involved, email staffunionofpitt@usw.org. An introductory meeting will take place on Monday, April 21 at noon on zoom. 

To keep up to date with us and see pictures from these and other actions and events, connect with us on Instagram at: 

https://www.instagram.com/pittstaffunion/

 Finally, if you haven’t signed your membership card yet, we encourage you to do it today at https://www.pittstaffunion.org/become-a-member. 

In Solidarity,

Your Pitt Staff Bargaining Committee 

Jen Goeckeler-Fried, Chair, Biological Sciences, DSAS
Mark Brown, Secretary
Kearsten Adams, Academic Advising, UPG
Shawn Alfonso Wells, Pitt Global Experiences, UCIS
Lydia Chmill, Disability Resources & Services, OTC
Emily Daller, University Child Development Center, OHR
Jay Hornack, Law 
Todd Shaffer, Office of Student Life, UPJ
Michelle Utz-Kiley, Epidemiology, SPH
Dan Wyszomierski, PCI/NSABP
Robin Sowards, USW 
Matt Nader, USW 
Nate Kilbert, USW
Bernie Hall, Director, USW