Date: June 8, 2013
To: PSU-AAUP Members
From: Ron Narode, VP Collective Bargaining
Bargaining Report #4 from June 4, 2013
The PSU-AAUP Bargaining Team presented proposals for Article 17 (Academic Professionals) and Article 18 (Fixed-term and Research Faculty). The Administration presented article proposals for Article 36 (Outside Employment) and Article 34 (Library Development Days).
Here are summaries of the day’s negotiations:
Article 17 (Academic Professionals):
AAUP proposed that the current evaluation process remain intact, and we stressed our openness to negotiating amendments based upon evidence-based reasons. We also proposed that notices for layoffs be expanded so as to allow academic professionals time to locate a new position in a difficult job market. We proposed that any annual review that was deemed satisfactory or better would result in a 1% pay increase for academic professionals. We also proposed that unused vacation days be sold to the university instead of disappearing with the holder remaining uncompensated. Finally, we proposed that university closure days should not affect academic professionals differently than other faculty in our bargaining unit. Academic Professionals should be permitted to work from home as other faculty do during university closures. They ought not to suffer the loss of vacation or salary due to university closure unless they choose not to work from home. The Administration is considering our proposal and we have not yet received a response.
Article 18 (Fixed Term Faculty and Research Faculty):
AAUP proposed that the current evaluation process remain intact, and we stressed our openness to negotiating amendments based upon evidence-based reasons. We also proposed that these faculty should be awarded a 1% pay increase for each annual review that resulted in a satisfactory or better than satisfactory evaluation. We proposed to increase job-security for those faculty who are offered a contract after three continuous years of service at 0.5 or more FTE, by offering them three-year rolling contracts. Upon satisfactory annual review, the faculty member will be offered a new 3-year contract. We redefined seniority status as having successfully taught for 3 continuous years, and we proposed that 90% of faculty with seniority be offered the 3-year rolling contract. The Administration is considering our proposal and we have not yet received a response.
Article 36 (Outside Employment):
The Administration proposed a change in language that requires faculty to access the outside employment policy through the Office of General Counsel’s webpage. AAUP tentatively agreed to this change as it appears to be administrative only. We were assured that this in no way alters our right to grieve the policy.
Article 34 (Library Development Days):
The Administration proposed several changes in how Library Development Days are apportioned and who does the apportioning. The bargaining team is in discussions with the Librarians to consider our response.
Constructive Actions in Bargaining:
SUPPORT AAUP BARGAINING: Come to bargaining on Tuesday, June 25, noon-3pm, in Market Center Building, 6th Floor room 650. We will bargain for Article 19, Professional Development and Support, and Article 31, Insurance, and for a new Article 44, Academic Quality. Stay as long as you can. Bring your colleagues, please. Your presence makes a difference.
Upcoming Bargaining Sessions:
June 25, noon-3pm, MCB650:
Article 19, Professional Development and Support,
Article 31, Insurance
Article 44, Academic Quality
July 2, noon-3pm, Smith 338
Topics to be determined.