Bargaining Update 10-23-24

October 23rd, 2024

Many proposals from both USA and management were presented at today’s bargaining meeting. We presented two coalition proposals, which are proposals that are being brought to the table by multiple unions to increase our negotiating power. Once all proposals have been presented, we will move on to constructing counter proposals. Please see below for information about the proposals! 

USA Presented Proposals 2-6 

  • Proposal 2: Article 12 Holidays and Campus Closures
    • A coalition proposal to close the campus the Wednesday before and Friday after Thanksgiving, and all days between Christmas Eve and New Years Day. 
  • Proposal 3: Shift Differential  
    • Increase shift differential from $1.00 per hour to 2.50 per hour for second shift and $4.00 per hour for third shift 
    • Increase holiday pay differential to 1.5 times pay 
  • Proposal 4: Article 25 Health and Safety 
    • Require University to provide PPE when required by an employee’s assignment 
    • Gives employees the right to refuse to work in an unsafe environment and protects them from discipline until an investigation is performed 
    • Adds process for requesting air quality assessment and remediation from the University in work areas 
    • Publish a map of accessible and gender-neutral bathrooms and affirm the right of employees to use workplace bathrooms appropriate to their gender identity  
    • Provide workplace accommodations for lactation in accordance with federal and state law 
    • Direct supervisors to give employees release time to participate in campus health and wellness events 
    • Commits UMass to its mission as a Health Promoting University by encouraging them to reduce food insecurity among staff and collect data on the health and wellbeing of staff  
  • Proposal 5: Childcare (Coalition Proposal)
    • A coalition proposal to create a new article in the contract to increase the capacity and offerings of UMass’ Center for Early Education and Care (CEEC) by creating slots for USA members’ children, increasing hours of operation, and offering infant care 
    • Come to the All Union Rally & Stroller Parade for Childcare Friday 11/1 at noon in front of the Student Union! 
  • Proposal 6: Labor Management Committee (LMC) 
    • The LMC is comprised of 6 members, 3 representing campus administration and 3 representing USA whose purpose is to keep open dialogue between the university and the union about mutual concerns on campus. 
    • Adds a quarterly meeting for reviewing non-unit non-exempt positions on campus to identify positions that can be made into USA positions. 

Management’s Proposals 

  • University General Proposal, Article 7  
    • Limit members ability to address discrimination by denying on-campus grievances when grievances have been filed with outside agencies 
  • University Proposal 3: Article 14 Employee Compensation 
    • Outlines starting salaries for USA members coming from other unions in the UMass, state, and municipal systems 
  • Withdrawing Proposal 5 
  • University Proposal 6: Article 20 Reclassification Amendments  
    • A large proposal, further review and information from the Bargaining team forthcoming 
  • University Proposal 7: Article 22 Layoff and Recall 
    • Shortens timelines in the layoff and recall process 
    • Limits members rights and protections  
    • Further review and information from the Bargaining team forthcoming 

Action Items 

  • In-person USA Membership Meeting Thursday 11/14, 12-1 at the Student Union Cape Cod Lounge!  
  • Come to the All Union Rally & Stroller Parade for Childcare Friday 11/1 at noon in front of the Student Union! 
  • Keep an eye out for a UMass Unions United all-members coalition meeting in early November to discuss organizing a state-wide cost of living campaign