Session #16: Bargaining 2024: That’s a Wrap!
We had our 16th bargaining session on Tuesday. Here is a short overview:
Over 30 observers joined Tuesday’s bargaining session, demonstrating our union’s strength as we fight for a fair contract. Thank you for turning out!
We presented 8 economic proposals that together provide an ambitious yet fair vision for raising our overall standard of living while making Wellesley a more inclusive and competitive institution. It will take work for us to win meaningful improvements, but it is possible if we all stay informed and engaged.
Volunteer here if you can help talk to colleagues about winning a fair contract! You can also track our bargaining progress and economic articles here, or register to attend the next bargaining session on Tuesday, January 7 from 1-5 PM here and the following session on Tuesday, January 21st from 1-3 PM here, and contact us with any questions or concerns at woaw.uaw@gmail.com.
The College did not bring anything today. However, we are hopeful that we will continue to make progress as we bargain in January and February. Currently, the College has 16 economic proposals and 11 non-economic proposals from the Union on their side. We have 7 proposals from the College on our side.
In today’s session, we countered Appointments and Reappointments, where we reasserted our right to review by the CFA. We countered the College’s rejection of our Certificate of Continuous Employment with a proposal to put it into place after 15 years of service, so that long-term faculty do not need to constantly be reviewed, as well as proposed presumption of reappointment for faculty after the completion of an initial appointment.
We also countered Privileges, finding many areas of agreement with the College. However, we reasserted that emeritus status should be awarded to BUEs after 10 years of service to the College, in line with our tenure-track colleagues.
Our Economic Proposals
Severance: We proposed severance pay for bargaining unit faculty terminated mid-contract or denied reappointment.
Mortgage Benefit: We proposed that bargaining unit employees have access to the existing faculty mortgage benefit to which tenured folks are eligible.
Tuition and Fees: We proposed expanding access to the tuition benefit held by bargaining unit faculty who have been at the College prior to 2008 to all unit members.
Dependent Care: We proposed a childcare benefit equal to $3500/month (the tuition at the Wellesley Community Children’s Center) for each child under the age of 13.
International Employees: We proposed that the College will sponsor visas for all employees that need them, as well as reimburse fees (including travel) for visa renewal.
Emergency Support Fund: We proposed the establishment of a fund that bargaining unit members can apply into to receive up to $15,000 per year in financial support for short-term financial hardship.
Housing: We memorialized most status quo policies around faculty housing, but suggested updates to the priority system, asked the College to issue formal leases, and established a timeline for maintenance.
Leaves: We memorialized the status quo for short-term leaves, parental leaves, and medical leaves, with the exception that we proposed expanding the frequency that a BUE may be eligible for medical leave. We proposed that all BUEs will become eligible to take 1 semester of paid professional leave every 4 years.
As always, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with any questions or thoughts!