It’s frightening to think what the world would be like if workers didn’t have a voice in the issues that affect them. As we progress further into bargaining, let’s take a spooky peek into the tricks universities would like to offer Higher Ed workers in the new contract, and the treats we think you deserve. Bargaining is far from over, and not all proposals have been brought to the table, but here are a few of the tricks and treats we’ve discussed so far.

TRICKS! Universities Proposals:

• Taking away Members’ ability to file grievances to address discrimination.
• Limiting our ability to organize collectively and inform the public about our working conditions.
• Extending the length of disciplinary action to remain in employees file for a minimum of three years, with no sunset. Management would have 45 days to allow us access to our employee file (they currently have 5 days to show us).
• Limiting our ability to involve union staff in discussions about our working conditions and contract protections.

TREATS! Union priorities:

• Fair cost-of-living increases.
• Protecting our health insurance and PERS.
• Expanding and protecting opportunities to work remotely.
• Recognizing those of us who had to work on-campus during the pandemic.
• Strengthening our contract language guaranteeing mutual respect.
• Addressing gender-based pay inequities.

Here’s how you can get involved:

• Join our Facebook group for Higher Ed workers.
• Contact your Organizer if you’re interested in being a Communication Action Team (CAT) member.
• Stay up to date by bookmarking the Higher Ed Bargaining webpage.