Strike momentum builds: mediation begins on our terms!
Hi everyone,
The good news just keeps on coming! We are entering into mediation on strong footing - on our terms, with our choice of mediator, with a strong strike (the largest in the country) - and remain optimistic about negotiations moving forward. The University agreed to proceed with Kevin Flanigan as our mediator. As a reminder - the strike continues! 86% of all voters and 90% of our strikers voted to continue this week, which will propel us towards valuable gains in mediation!
Yesterday, we interviewed both our choice of mediator, Kevin Flanigan, and the University’s choice, Carol Wittenberg and Damali Peterman. We began our interview with Flanigan ensuring that all parties were on the same page about open mediation sessions. Just as we would not accept closed bargaining sessions, we would not accept closed mediation, our bylaws state this very clearly. Flanigan agreed to open mediation and so our interview continued fruitfully.
Kevin Flanigan had done his research: he had read our bargaining framework, knew the history of our Tentative Agreement and reconstituted bargaining committee, and was already familiar with the key issues that separated us. He also demonstrated his extensive experience with collective bargaining mediations and his demeanor was friendly and open with both bargaining teams.
On the other hand, Carol Wittenberg and Damali Peterman appeared to be inexperienced at mediating collective bargaining agreements. We also found their extensive history of working on cases that involve Proskauer Rose, the law firm that represents the University, as a potential conflict of interest.
Soon after both interviews concluded we emailed the University to let them know that Kevin Flanigan was the most appropriate and most qualified mediator choice. The University agreed to Flanigan in their email to us this morning.
Both interviews made clear that the University will continue to push for in-person mediation. While this remains an outstanding question, we would only accept in-person with a hybrid model that ensures all union members are allowed to view negotiations. Since many in our bargaining team are away for the Thanksgiving holiday, negotiations will continue on Zoom for the time being.
In the meantime, rest up and we’ll see you on the picket line tomorrow at 11 am and in our first mediation session tomorrow TBA, likely at 2 pm!
In solidarity,
Your bargaining committee