Team hard at work

UUP and the state are expected to exchange formal collective bargaining proposals as early as next month.

The union’s 19-member Negotiations Team, headed by Chief Negotiator Phillip Smith, is continuing its efforts to put together a package that will meet the needs of the entire membership. UUPers have had numerous opportunities to share their ideas and concerns, from face-to-face meetings with team and Negotiations Committee members to a six-page membership survey and discussions with ad-hoc advisory committees at each chapter.

“Our discussions with members across the state have proven very fruitful,” said Smith, statewide vice president for academics. “Our members have identified the most important issues they face on campus and in the workplace. Our proposal looks to address these concerns.”

The full texts of the proposals — both the union’s and the state’s — will be published in an upcoming issue of The Voice.

Once proposals have been exchanged, negotiators from UUP, the state and SUNY will meet to clarify their positions. When a contract is finally negotiated and accepted by the UUP team and committee, it will be presented to the entire membership for ratification. The American Arbitration Association will conduct the vote.

The current contract between UUP and the state expires July 1.

— Karen L. Mattison