Bargaining Update:

A message from LEO Vice President, Kirsten Herold:

Yesterday, Friday Jan 22nd, the Union started bargaining its third contract. After all the work of the summer and fall, we were happy to get started.

The Union presented proposals for five articles (XI Appointments, XII Layoff; XXIV Professional Development, XXVI Posting, and XL Term of the Agreement -- when the contract expires. Management had two ready (X Grievance and XXXVIII Printing of contract), along with a discussion paper on pay distribution. We also received some budget information about Dearborn.

The atmosphere was cordial, engaged, and productive, and - so far - with no stone walling. It definitely feels as if both sides have a commitment to engage in real conversations about the issues facing lecturers.

We also saw it as positive that they presented an important issue for discussion without a proposal.

We had great support from our members, with a wonderful turn-out, even including a few members who came from Flint and Dearborn. Everyone contributed productively in the caucus. We need to keep this up, and we welcome all members to join at any time.

Next Friday we will present proposal on Performance Evaluation, International Lecturers, and Special Case Appointments. They THINK they will be giving us a proposal also on Special Case Appointments, and their anxiously awaited Benefits Proposal - which will seek to bring us in line with other university employees (with increased employee contributions, especially for those between 50 and 79%) - along with a presentation on the Flint budget.

Please come and join us next week. We will be meeting on the Ground Floor of the School of Social Work, Education Conference Center (bargaining room) and Fauri Room, Room 1795 (LEO Caucus Room), starting at 9:30 a.m.. The School of Social Work is located at the corner of South U and East U, 1080 South University. For further questions about next week's bargaining sessions, please contact Catherine Daligga at cdaligga@umich.edu.