Thread by @uaosu

THREAD: We need your help, y'all. You probably saw Provost Feser's email Monday announcing salary increase program. While the he attempted to positively frame his proposal, it's an insidious attempt to undermine bargaining efforts and the core mission of our #union. Here's why:

The Provost's "salary increase program" was initially presented as a MOA (memorandum of understanding) at the very end of the bargaining session on Monday, leaving no opportunity to negotiate, ask questions, or respond. What's more? We only were given 3 days to accept or reject.

In the e-mail to faculty he presented an implied ultimatum to #union members. Either accept an ambiguous and inequitable salary increase and forego all bargaining for FY2020 salary increases (more on that next), or continue bargaining.

The proposed "salary increase program" would exclude many of our bargaining unit members including postdoc fac, all fac below .5 FTE, and fac who did not receive an annual review. Further, there is extensive ambiguity regarding the "additional increase" some may be eligible for.

Additionally, as we all know "salary increase programs" often disguised as "raises" amount to nothing more than cost of living increases--something the university should offer in addition to and separately from "merit raises." One reason we need a #faircontractnow.

This is a serious problem for several reasons: First, it's very unusual and borderline unethical for an administrator to directly present this kind of proposal to bargaining unit members. It, in effect, undermines our collective power to make a decision that benefits ALL members

Second, an important part of bargaining is to come to the table in good faith. You're #DamRight this ain't that. Eliminating questions/discussions, mandating an arbitrary deadline, and removing negotiating power from the union amounts to the opposite: bad faith strategies.

We have been trying for MONTHS to get administration to negotiate salaries and wage increases. To have what tests the limits of a good faith proposal that maintains a flawed and inequitable status quo, presented in this manner, is unacceptable.

We formed this union to help create a better life for ALL faculty members at OSU. We formed this union in #solidarity with each other, and other unions across the country. What we are proposing is NOT #OutThere, whereas Provost Feser's "program" certainly is.

TL;DR: THIS IS WHAT WE NEED.
1) ATTEND BARGAINING on Friday, 11/8, 10-1 Location TBD. It made a HUGE difference to have such a great showing on Mon.
2) JOIN THE #UNION! Sign up a colleague. This matters for all of us. #UnionStrong uaosu.org/become-a-membe…

3) MOST IMPORTANTLY, SIGN THIS #PETITION to let administration know we want a fair contract, that we expect they come to the table and present proposals in good faith, and that we stand united for a better OSU for all.

actionnetwork.org/petitions/a-fa…

4) Please retweet and share this post within your networks. The more people paying attention and putting pressure on administration #putitinwriting and #respect our #union helps. In #solidarity.