Last night, in negotiations, we offered substantial compromises in several key areas, including wages and jobs. However, management did not respond in kind. They would not withdraw their proposals for "merit"-based bonuses to "superior" individuals, continued to insist on a two-tier wage system, did not move a penny on across-the-board, and refused to agree to even minimal job security.

Faced with management's intransigence at the bargaining table, we proposed,, through the Federal Mediator, that there be an immediate meeting between Executive Vice President Emily Lloyd and UAW Director Phil Wheeler. Labor Relations officials refused , saying their position would not change. By rejecting this meting and stating they would not change their position, the Administration effectively broke off negotiations.

Agreements:

• Implementation of a basic optical health plan which includes eye exams every other year and reimbursement for glasses and contact lenses in exchange for the elimination of yearly eye exams for VDT operators.
• Same sex domestic partner benefits for tuition.
• All short-term intensive "Q" courses shall be included in current agreement that allows employees one per year.
• Will grant a part-time schedule for up to four weeks following a leave of absence for pregnancy-disability, infant, care, adoption, or foster care placement.
• University will distribute union membership cards and contracts to new employees upon hire.
• Joint committee to investigate education and training needs of the bargaining unit.

Wages:

Union: 3.5% 10/1/97, 7/1/98, 7/1/99 – 3 year contract 10/1/97 – 9/30/2000.

University: 3% each October 1 in a 38-month contract which would expire during the holiday period on 11/30/2000; option for an additional year to 11/30/2001. Half percent Christmas bonus pool to be distributed to "superior: employee s each december based on supervisory evaluation of performance. All employees will be subject to yearly performance evaluations by supervisors.

Step increases:

Union: Add an additional step increase at 5 years of service.

University: Reduce steps for new employees to every other year. Almost no one would benefit from steps under this formula.

Job Security:

Union: the university will not cut the number of union jobs below 800 if there is an increase in officer positions, grades 10-12. If the Administration continues to increase these officer positions in 1998, they would have to maintain at least 900 union jobs, and in 1999, 1000 union jobs. The Administration has cut the union's ranks from over 1,100 down to 800 – while the number of officer jobs has been increased by 550!

University: Not only does Columbia refuse to restore jobs, but the Administration will not commit to stop cutting more of our jobs. The University is willing to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars to litigate these disputes while maintaining it can unilaterally eliminate any union job simply by reclassifying it to a Grade 10 or above.