Bargaining Committee Responsibilities

The primary responsibility of the committee is to negotiate an initial collective bargaining agreement with the university administration’s team. Election to the committee obligates each member to represent and fight for the best possible contract for all members of the bargaining unit.

The committee will be trained and assisted by experienced negotiators employed by UAW, who will also participate in the negotiations with the university. See below for specific responsibilities.

• Participate in the development of initial bargaining goals for ratification by union supporters across campus, based on surveys, other relevant contracts, membership feedback from other sources, etc.
• After ratification of initial bargaining goals and in collaboration with working group and organizing committee members, develop and present contract language proposals to the University’s bargaining team for negotiation.
• Attend negotiating sessions with the university and attend internal union caucuses or meetings in order to advance our bargaining agenda.
• Assess, analyze, and respond to the university’s bargaining proposals and develop counter proposals on behalf of the union.
• Keep the bargaining unit and allies informed and educated about the negotiations and the process by coordinating with the organizing committee, working groups, and other activists on a strategic campaign to win a strong contract that can be recommended for ratification.
• Make a recommendation to the membership on whether to approve a contract or take other actions (e.g., a vote to authorize the committee to call for strike action if necessary).
• Attend regular meetings of the bargaining committee.

Committee members should assume that the time commitment will be significant, but will vary week to week. Note that the schedule of bargaining itself is subject to negotiation with the university.