Proposed DPS union contract voted down

Proposed DPS union contract voted downNovember 01, 2006Kevin Morrowkdmorrow@syr.edu

Syracuse University’s unionized Department of Public Safety (DPS) employees today voted down a proposed three-year collective bargaining agreement. According to union officials, as conveyed to the University, the agreement was voted down by a 26-0 margin. Fifty-two DPS staff members are currently in the bargaining unit.

The proposed contract was the first labor agreement negotiated between SU and the Security Police and Fire Professionals of America Union (SPFPA). DPS public safety officers, community service officers and communications specialists voted to recognize the union in a ratification vote conducted on June 15. DPS command and supervisory staff — 21 individuals total — are not members of the bargaining unit and hence were not participants in the voting.

“While we’re disappointed in the voting outcome, the University remains committed to reaching an agreement that serves the best interests of the institution and these staff members,” says SU Associate Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer Neil B. Strodel. “We anticipate the negotiation teams for the University and SPFPA Local 532 will resume discussions as soon as possible.”

Meetings between the parties began in September and continued through Oct. 25, totaling eight sessions.

More information on the negotiations is available at http://publicsafety.syr.edu/union/unionization.html.