WSU Campus | Photo by Jessica Fugett | The Wright State Guardian
Update on Oct. 27:
Wright State University’s (WSU) Teamsters 957 have proposed new contract language to university officials in regard to ongoing collective bargaining between the Teamsters union and the university.
Detailed in the proposal are three main items in which the Teamsters have proposed new language for WSU to either accept or reject. Items in question include furlough days, subcontracting and wages.
Furloughs
Teamsters 957 are proposing three furlough days per year, but no more than one furlough day per semester.
Throughout the course of negotiations, WSU has maintained a strong stance of 10 furlough days per year, with no more than 5 used per pay period.
Subcontracting
Teamsters 957 are proposing that WSU must maintain a minimum of 35 bargaining unit employees in the list of positions with no reduction in pay, and these employees must maintain lead positions.
This rebuttal comes in the wake of WSU’s attempt to rid current contracts of language that would allow them to contract out custodial and floor care positions currently held by Teamsters.
Wages
Teamsters 957 previously proposed that wages would not change for the remaining life of the current contract, which extends to Aug. 31, 2022.
In their latest proposal however, Teamsters are seeking a 1.5% increase in pay effective July 1, 2022, and a 3% increase in pay effective July 1, 2023.
Terms agreed upon
Having previously met with WSU officials on Oct. 19, Teamsters 957 have come to an agreement with the university on three items of discussion which include, overtime, vacations and medical. This leaves furlough days, subcontracting and wages as the final three items still being negotiated.
Moving forward
The next collective bargaining meeting between WSU and Teamsters 957 will take place Nov. 10, where WSU will present the union with their latest proposals.
If WSU should accept the latest terms presented by the Teamsters, a vote will occur.
Representatives from both WSU and Teamsters 957 have been contacted, though both parties were unable to comment at this time.
Wright State University’s (WSU) Teamsters 957 met with WSU officials on Oct. 19, in an attempt to come to a contractual agreement that would benefit both parties, but left the meeting with few things agreed upon.
Pay raises, furlough days and contractual protections for Teamsters custodial and floor care staff are the most important issues being negotiated.
What is being proposed?
WSU is proposing no pay raises throughout the life of a current contract which extends to Aug. 31, 2022. This rebuttal comes in the wake of last month’s negotiation meeting, where Teamsters asked for a 1.5% pay increase in 2021 and a 2% pay increase in 2022.
WSU wants to add 10 furlough days with no more than 5 days used during a pay period. This is an article the university has maintained since the beginning of contract negotiations, and has not budged on.
Lastly, WSU is seeking to remove protections in current contract language that would prevent them from contracting out jobs in custodial and floor care staff.
With protections removed, WSU would have the right to contract out these jobs.
“Right now we are fighting to keep our largest group of members, custodial and floor care staff, working,” said Tom Bellew, Chief Steward of Teamsters 957. “This entire time they have been considered essential, when in reality they are expendable.” Bellew said.
University remains hopeful
“The Wright State bargaining team is hopeful and optimistic about reaching an agreement with its Teamsters employees,” said Seth Bauguess, Director of Communications at WSU.
“The university values the work that these employees perform. They provide a valuable service to the university, and most importantly, our students. As the university continues to navigate these challenging times, it is prepared to continue operations as it drives toward fiscal sustainability so Wright State can be the public, four-year university the Dayton region and Ohio needs it to be.” Bauguess said.
The proposals offered to the Teamsters on Monday are not final, and another round of negotiations are set for Tuesday, Oct. 27.
