November 20th, 2024

Where we are:The final day to bring new proposals to the bargaining table has been changed to the next meeting, which is scheduled for December 11th 9-11am. USA presented five proposals. Management did not present, but we anticipate a final proposal and counter from them at the next meeting. Please see below for information about the proposals and bookmark our Bargaining Headquarters to stay informed!

USA’s Proposals

Proposal 10: Article 9 Leave

• Increases sick leave from 12 days to 14 days per year. 
• Increases bereavement leave from 5 days to 10 days and expands what relationships the leave can be used for. 
• Consolidates Maternity and Adoptive, Parental, and Family Leave sections into one Family Leave section. 
• Clarifies family leave language to reflect changes in state laws. 
• Increases unpaid family leave from 8 weeks to 12 weeks, which can be requested after paid family leave is used. 
• Link: Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) overview and benefits | Mass.gov

Proposal 11: Article 17 Vacancies and Promotions

• Prevents a change in an employee’s anniversary date when their grade or step changes. 

Proposal 12: Article 18 Contracting Out (Postponed to 12/11 Meeting)

Proposal 13: Seniority & Steps

• Increase timeframe for employees to retain their previous seniority from 2 years to 3 years when returning to work. 
• Seniority can be reinstated under certain conditions such as returning to work following an illness or a layoff. 

Proposal 14: Farm Superintendent

• Increases pay grade from 16 to 20 to reflect pay rates at similar job titles across UMass campuses. 
• Note: The process for re-grading a position is typically resolved in meetings between USA and management, and not brought to the bargaining table. In this case, management compelled us to bring it to the bargaining table. Re-grading is different from the reclassification process for individual positions, which can be found here.

Proposal 15: Salary Proposal (Postponed to 12/11 Meeting)

• We will be holding informational membership meetings about this proposal on Tue 12/3 and Wed 12/4 12-1 on Zoom. Outlook invite forthcoming.

Proposal 16: Artificial Intelligence (New Article)

• Ensures AI will be used to augment bargaining unit members’ work instead of replacing bargaining unit work. 
• Requires that any new AI programs be evaluated for efficiency, cost effectiveness, accuracy, and impact on the working conditions of bargaining unit employees.

Involves bargaining unit members in the implementation of AI tools and requires training on AI to be provided. 

University’s Proposals

Management did not bring any proposals. They will be bringing their final proposals to the next bargaining session on December 11, 2024.