Dear AAUP-BHSNJ Members:

Our negotiations continue to move in a positive direction. At our meeting on May 7th, we agreed on certain aspects of the contract that need to be clarified as we move forward. What may seem as simple as “change the name from UMDNJ to Rutgers” is not as simple as it seems. We have to make certain that those changes take place while ensuring that we recognize the AAUP-BHSNJ positions and titles that were in effect on June 30, 2013 remain in place. We also agreed on a new and expanded Non-Discrimination clause to protect your rights, and changes in the Management Rights clause that don’t interfere with our rights as your Union. While these “little things” may not seem like much, they are the first agreements that we have come to in almost six years.

The tone at our table is one of collaboration and problem solving. We are engaged in discussions and our “separate caucuses” have been greatly reduced, giving us more face-to-face negotiations rather than the stagnant meetings we previously had, which means we are one step closer to settlement.

Our next negotiation date is May 29th. We will continue to update you as we make progress.

As always, we thank you for your support.

In solidarity,

Ilyssa

Ilyssa DeCasperis

Executive Director AAUP-BHSNJ