Official Update from USFFA

June 27, 2020
Update on Negotiations from USFFA President Sonja Martin Poole

Dear Colleagues,

Since my last update, we have met twice with the administration. We have continued to make progress in negotiations around the percentage of our contribution to the expected net revenue shortfall, and we are pursuing new strategies around the distribution of any pay cuts (after hearing from faculty this week about problems they saw with the administration's initial progressive pay cut proposal). We will continue these discussions and others in another bargaining session on Sunday afternoon.

We may need to meet with administration a few more times. Concurrently, we will plan member education on the proposed deal to roll out as soon as a tentative agreement is reached. A General Membership Meeting is being planned, and we will encourage all summer councils and all caucuses and interest groups to host meetings for smaller-group discussion. We will send more details on this plan on Monday so that caucus, interest group and council-leaders can make plans.

In the meantime, we have been encouraged to see a tremendous amount of activity among the membership and our allies. Representatives from at least 5 campus labor unions joined in a USFFA-member-organized car and bike caravan on Saturday morning. From what I have heard, it was a lively event, with a live-streamed zoom rally, and signs indicating that our members want the university to rethink its strategies around handling this crisis. At the same time, we've received a petition initiated by students that has signatures from hundreds of students and alums. Meanwhile, our union-initiated photo project has continued to grow -- you can check it out, and add your voice, here.

I am so invigorated by all of this activity, and I want you to know that it is making a difference at the bargaining table.

In gratitude,
Sonja Martin Poole
President