The union wants the University to recognize it as the sole, exclusive representative for collective bargaining for all of the University's teaching assistants, readers, graders, and tutors. This would mean that the University would guarantee that all of these individuals would have their interests represented by the union and be required to contribute dues to the union. This right can be granted only by the Legislature through authorizing legislation. We sought to have this passed in the current session of the Legislature, but it did not. The question of the University's power to grant exclusivity has been reviewed by the state attorney general's office at various times since 1973 and most recently several weeks ago.
Differences also remain on some economic issues, including salary proposals and health benefits.
For salaries, given the fact that we do not yet know what our state budget will be and how much the state will authorize and appropriate for salaries, or what our tuition levels will be, we have committed to a minimum three percent per year increase for TAs, or to match the percentage increase faculty and professional staff receive, whichever is higher. We believe this is as responsive a proposal as we can make given the current state of the University's budget. As I have indicated, much progress has been made. I remain optimistic, and we will continue our efforts to conclude an agreement with the union. However, should our TAs decide to strike tomorrow, we are committed to bringing the academic quarter to a successful conclusion and doing everything possible to minimize the disruption to our students.