The UMPSA negotiating team met with the University System negotiators on Tuesday the 23rd. I'm pleased to report that UMS has moved a little bit on a couple of issues. This is a GOOD THING. They appear to be willing to negotiate seriously on at least SOME of the issues on the table. We expect that with a little back-and-forth discussion, we can come to tentative agreement on some of these issues.

However (don't you hate that word?), the University has absolutely refused to work with us on one of our largest issues. I cannot go into details, but we have to work around this roadblock before we can get a tentative agreement. We are working on some alternative suggestions for the next meeting scheduled for October 10 in Augusta. Another is scheduled for October 21 as well.

The bottom line is that the University has shown some movement at last, and negotiations are continuing. We think we can work out an agreement acceptable to the members if and when we can get around this latest major stumbling block. We (the negotiating team) cannot guarantee anything since a successful conclusion depends on BOTH sides giving a little, but things are looking better than they have in months.

News Flash:

The health insurance and other insurance changes will NOT reduce any benefits or increase costs to the employee. The bargaining agreement requires the University to 'make available the existing or equivalent health plan' at the same cost. (The contract contains similar language about other insurances.) Some benefits are likely to improve since the plan will now be subject to state and federal regulations. Other coverage options may be offered in addition to or in place of the existing plan. The new plan is scheduled to go into effect on January 1, 1998. Announcements and additional information will be mailed to the home addresses of all employees within the next few weeks. Campus meetings will be held in late October and early November to present the options and answer questions.