The Boston Globe reports today that 11 unions representing faculty and staff at state colleges and universities in Massachusetts filed an unfair labor practices complaint against the state's board of higher education and the University of Massachusetts (UMass) board of trustees. The complaint accuses the boards of bargaining in bad faith by not submitting any new salary proposals after months of negotiations.
The unions represent some 10,000 faculty and staff at the three UMass campuses and nine state colleges. The Globe says negotiations began in January 2008 and most contracts expired in June. The unions are seeking a 4% salary increase. Governor Deval Patrick has offered 3.5%, but the unions say that amount will not cover the full rate of inflation.
The last time Massachusetts university unions filed an unfair practices complaint was in 1997. According to the Massachusetts Labor Relations Commission, each complaint triggers an investigation, and if supported by the evidence, can lead to further hearings and even litigation.
In statements responding to the complaint, officials of the board of higher education, UMass, and the state's administrative and finance office promised to continue negotiations to find an equitable solution.
Hat tip: EdNews.org
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