Collective bargaining between the University of Oregon administration and the faculty union began today with a light hearted tone – and even laughter.
The first session took place Thursday, Jan. 29. Both sides came to the table with a more interest-based approach to this second-ever negotiation.
“We are hoping to approach this year’s negotiations by focusing on problem-solving and identifying common ground,” said Bill Brady, senior director of employee and labor relations. “This is an important and serious process, but I am hopeful that today’s tone carries forward through the days ahead.”
Related: UO collective bargaining resources
During the morning session, David Cecil, executive director for United Academics, walked the teams through proposed alterations to 13 articles in the first collective bargaining agreement. They included language changes and additions to:
- Article 4: Internal Governance Policies
- Article 8: Personnel Files
- Article 9: Union Rights
- Article 12: Facilities and Support
- Article 15: Academic Classification and Rank
- Article 16: Contracts
- Article 21: Appeal from the Denial of Tenure and Promotion
- Article 22: Grievance Procedures
- Article 24: Discipline and Termination for Cause
- Article 27: Health Insurance
- Article 28: Fringe Benefits
- Article 32: Leaves
- Article 35: Professional Development
Cecil told the group the union plans to submit a financial proposal in the future.
The afternoon session was an opportunity for the UO team to ask questions about the language of the proposed changes.
The sides are scheduled to meet throughout winter and spring terms or until a new agreement is reached. Next week’s session will be dedicated to the administration’s opening proposal.
A website will launch in conjunction with the Feb. 5 session that will provide regular updates, proposals and related information. It will be linked from the Human Resources website. Related updates will also be found on Around the O.
— By Tobin J. Klinger, Public Affairs Communications