Our last bargaining session started in caucus. Together we reviewed our proposals on union rights and hours. The former includes a new provision protecting the union’s right to post notices in the Office of International Services, and the latter would require supervisors give assistance notice for working weekends, longer than 8 hours in a day. Members discussed different ways to formulate the language, and shared their own experiences on why these protections would be important.
Back in session, UIC responded on our wages and healthcare proposals (with flat rejections) and we passed our proposals on hours and union rights. Back in caucus, we discussed UIC’s response to the wages and healthcare proposal. Members pointed out holes in their logic: while the UIC representative grounded their rejection in the claim that there’s no precedent for backpay, the real unprecedented move is to sign a contract without any positive change in pay. We resolved to develop more powerful arguments to make the case for wages and healthcare, and not let ourselves be constrained or demoralized by UIC’s arguments. We also revisited the proposal for personal days for RAs, to which UIC had previously objected.
When we returned to session, UIC responded with qualifications to the work hours clause and questions about the union rights proposal. They still don’t want to give ground on their right to approve whatever’s posted on bulletins – even though that’s far more restrictive than our rights to organize as guaranteed in the IELRA.
As we enter the late stage of bargaining, we’ll have to remain firm against UIC’s challenges. RAs have made clear their need for economic compensation, guaranteed leave and protections for hours. As long as RAs are willing to fight for more, the Bargaining Committee will hold the line and keep advocating. Join us at the next session November 22 2-4pm. If you have ideas about proposals or strategy, send us an email or consider joining the Organizing Committee. Finally, mark your calendars for the General Membership Meeting 6pm December 4, where we’ll collectively decide on goals and strategy to close out this campaign!
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