By the University Staff Association (USA) Communications Committee As USA enters month number ten at the bargaining table with University management, USA continues to hold firm in their demands. The bargaining team insists on realistic wages and benefits for staff that are in parity with other UMass Amherst staff unions and closer to the reality of the cost of living in … [Read more...] about Contract Corner 3: Management Retreats to DLR to Force Mediation
Bargaining
Bargaining Update 05-21-25 and 06-04-25
University Files for Mediation with the DLR As we cross the 10-month mark since starting bargaining, your University Staff Association bargaining team has made great effort to reach agreements with management but are still being stonewalled by dismissive rebuttals by management at the table. This continues to manifest in disputes about formatting, wherein management refuses to … [Read more...] about Bargaining Update 05-21-25 and 06-04-25
Bargaining Update 05-07-25
Important Update: USA has agreed to begin bargaining with management in full-day sessions, split between mornings and afternoons. The dates will remain on alternating Wednesdays, and you are invited to attend one or both sessions depending on your availability. Be sure to check the Silent Bargaining Representative Headquarters page for more information on how to sign up to … [Read more...] about Bargaining Update 05-07-25
Bargaining Update 04-23-25
Article 8 Inclement Weather At a previous bargaining session, Management presented a proposal intended to ensure that USA staff would be able to switch to remote work in the event of a campus closure. USA's bargaining team and several Silent Bargaining Representatives (SBR's) coordinated with the bargaining team and SBRs of the Professional Staff Union (PSU) to develop a … [Read more...] about Bargaining Update 04-23-25
Contract Corner 2: USA Weighs Options for Next Steps in Bargaining
By the University Staff Association (USA) Communications Committee As the end of April approaches, USA's Bargaining Team has reflected on the discussions that led to where they are now in the bargaining cycle. They reflect on the important dates that have flown by: the start of the first assured parameter raise in January, the deadline to submit new proposals in December … [Read more...] about Contract Corner 2: USA Weighs Options for Next Steps in Bargaining
