SU, bargaining unit move forward in negotiations

SU, bargaining unit move forward in negotiationsJune 10, 2004Kevin Morrowkdmorrow@syr.edu

Visit the HR Negotiations Update Web site (http://humanresources.syr.edu/bunit) for the latest information on bargaining unit contract negotiations currently being conducted by Syracuse University and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), which represents more than 700 SU employees.

As SU’s current labor agreement with the SEIU moves toward its June 30 expiration date, negotiations on the next agreement are well under way. The Syracuse University team (led by HR) and bargaining unit representatives have been meeting throughout May and June. Negotiations on non-economic policies and practices have been completed; now, negotiators are discussing economic wage and benefit issues.

The initial economic proposals presented by the University and SEIU are vastly different; however, these differences are neither unusual nor unexpected. The parties continue to work productively to find common ground and reach agreements that account for the economic realities of the University. Besides progress at the negotiating table, communication and information sharing have occurred throughout via Staff Relations Updates, HR’s Negotiation Update Web site, the Syracuse Record and other means. The schedule calls for negotiations to conclude and the ratification vote to be held prior to the June 30 deadline.

In addition, the University supports and endorses the bargaining unit’s announcement of two events planned for Friday, June 11 during the Strawberry Festival: SU employees who are members of SEIU Local 200 United will gather on the steps of Hendricks Chapel; and the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs and SEIU representatives will co-sponsor a voter registration booth.

For more information, visit http://humanresources.syr.edu/bunit.