March 14, 2025

Key Takeaways

• We presented several counterproposals and one new proposal to the administration

• We continue to try to resolve the issues regarding flexible work arrangements

• Membership Card Launch on 3/20 in Schenley Plaza!

On Thursday, March 13th, your bargaining committee met with the administration. We understand that with all the uncertainty surrounding the federal funding cuts and the hiring freeze, having a strong union contract and the protections that come with it will be even more critical for staff. To this end, we engaged in further discussion on our proposals regarding union rights, academic freedom, and shared governance. We forcefully argued that staff should have the same rights as faculty. Among other things, these proposals would preserve the rights of bargaining unit members to speak and write as private persons, free from censorship by the university. We also presented a new proposal to the administration that would severely limit the ability of new and emerging technologies to replace bargaining unit work.

Last time we mentioned that some staff members in the Dept. of Medicine with flexible work agreements were being ordered to return to in person work. We are in discussions with those affected staff and will be meeting with the administration soon to try to allow staff members to voice their concerns about how this order has and will impact them.

One way we can demonstrate our collective power to the administration is by signing our union membership cards.

We’re launching our membership card campaign next Thursday, March 20, 3-5 pm in Schenley Plaza!

This will be your first opportunity to sign a membership card to officially join the union! As a reminder, no dues will be paid until we have ratified our contract, but signing a membership card now will allow you to vote on contract ratification when the time comes.

We’ll have cornhole, music, cookies, and, of course, membership cards! Stop by anytime between 3-5pm to sign your card and ask any questions you have about union membership.

Additional plans are in the works for activities at Regional Campuses.