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The Human Resources Web is available on the Administration and Index pages of ColumbiaWeb. |
University, Local 2110 Sign a Four-Year AgreementBY AMY CALLAHAN  fter conducting a 16-day-strike this fall, Local 2110 of the United Auto Workers reached a settlement with Columbia. The new 4-year contract was ratified on Oct. 31.
Vice President for Human Resources Colleen Crooker said: "I am, of course, very pleased that we reached an agreement. I am particularly delighted that our focal point for the next four years will be working together to identify and respond to the training and development of the needs of our employees. It represents a substantial opportunity to collaborate in a venture that ultimately benefits the University and the individual members of 2110." The contract includes: a 3 percent increase each Oct. 1; a new wage progression system, which extends to 18 months the length of time between pay progression steps for new employees, resulting in savings to the University; employee development programs; increased health care benefits, including vision care and child care, and $50 per month payment for employees with other health coverage who waive Columbia benefits, which also results in savings to the University. Executive Vice President for Administration Emily Lloyd explained, "We believe that this contract sets a framework for greater labor-management collaboration over the next four years. The wage package is fair to the members of Local 2110 and consistent with the pattern of settlements reached with nine other Columbia unions. This contract creates mechanisms which will enhance employee development. The establishment of a new training fund addresses the union's concerns while meeting the administration's goals of continuing to improve services to students and faculty. In addition, the contract creates a new employee classification, which recognizes the critical nature and complexity of the work performed by some members of Local 2110 by providing new promotional opportunities within the bargaining unit." David M. Cohen, director of employee and labor relations, said: "We are pleased that the parties were able to come together, with the mediator's assistance, and reach a settlement that is fair and equitable to both sides. We're glad everybody is back to work and hope we can move forward from here." For full details of the settlement, check the Human Resources page on the Columbia Web site.
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