We have reached impasse in our contract negotiations. Our union has been fighting for a fair and just contract for nine months, over 19 bargaining sessions, and we are not about to give up.
From the outset, the administration’s proposals have aimed to roll back salaries and benefits for the long-term. For example, the UVM administration proposed to:
•Eliminate all retirement contributions for two years (representing a significant loss in retirement savings for early-career faculty), while top-level administrators continue to receive retirement contributions
•Cut salaries by 5% now, another 5% next year, and then freeze salaries in 2022-23.
•Reduce sabbatical pay, eliminate sabbaticals for Clinical, Extension, and Research faculty, and eliminate professional development leaves altogether
Recognizing the seriousness of the pandemic, United Academics offered to pause negotiations in the spring – rejected. We offered one-year progressive salary cuts – rejected. In the meantime, our campus Children’s Center closed, and every attempt to communicate directly and productively with the upper administration has been met with a wall of silence.
We appreciate the dedication of our bargaining team and UA leaders, and the engagagement, support and solidarity from our community. We ask that you stay involved as we continue this fight.