In October the University promulgated the PSU Communication Procedure requiring a new communications authorization reimbursement form. This new policy aggregated and altered the existing “Wireless Communication Policy and Allowance” and the “Broadband Internet Service Reimbursement Policy.” Associated with the change was the immediate and unannounced termination of reimbursements under the previous policies for approximately 26 AAUP Members.
PSU-AAUP filed a Division A contractual grievance citing the failure to bargain pursuant to Article 8- Past practices of the collective bargaining agreement, and failure to abide by the termination notice requirements of the previous policies. PSU-AAUP and PSU met on numerous occasions. PSU-AAUP and PSU signed an MOU in June with PSU-AAUP agreeing to the new policy, PSU agreeing to pay AAUP members who were due reimbursement for the month of October 2013 under the previous policies, and PSU agreeing to negotiate with PSU-AAUP over any contemplated future changes to this reimbursement program.