What moves NYU? You do.

At the bargaining table Tuesday, there was posturing by NYU that they might be willing to make some minor improvements to the proposals that our members found the most objectionable. And the reason NYU was willing to move at all on these issues? In their own words, it was hearing from all of you at last Thursday's meeting that made the difference.

How much they are willing to move remains to be seen, and we still have more bargaining to do, but we thought you should know that your actions and words are having a real impact.

We also wanted to let you know that NYU agreed to extend the terms of our current contract--which expired on Monday--while we continue to negotiate.

Come to the general membership meeting on Monday, November 7 to find out what you can do to support your bargaining team at this crucial time.

UCATS GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
Monday, November 7
5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Kimmel Center, 60 Washington Square South
Room 808

English Department resolution in support of UCATS

We just received word of this resolution, passed by NYU's English Department in support of UCATS:

RESOLVED

We understand that in current contract negotiations NYU is proposing that our colleagues in Local 3882 of the Union of Clerical and Technical Staff waive or curtail their constitutional rights to appeal to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in instances of workplace discrimination. There is no such requirement in comparable union contracts, such as the Union@Cooper Union contract or the New York City contract with the United Federation of Teachers. We are dismayed at the chilling effect such a contractual provision for sole and exclusive arbitration would have on our colleagues’ ability to seek redress if they are discriminated against by reason of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability. Therefore, the faculty of the Department of English urges NYU to drop this proposal and to seek a contract that respects without restriction the legal rights of all employees.

Tuesday, November 1st, 2011

This picture is worth a thousand words.

We received this excellent drawing from one of our UCATS members. We thought it summed things up pretty nicely.



If you're tired of being stepped on, come out to our rally tonight!

UCATS Rally
Tuesday, November 1
5:15 pm (or as soon as you get off work)
7 East 12th Street
Bring colleagues, family and friends.
Bring signs.
Make NOISE!!!

Will YOU be at the UCATS Rally tonight?

Greetings All,

Tuesday's rally is shaping up to be our biggest rally yet. You don't want to miss it. We have learned that we will be joined by members of our state affiliate, New York State United Teachers, members of the Professional Staff Congress (CUNY), members of the Graduate Student Organizing Committee (GSOC), AND the Secretary Treasurer of our national affiliate, the American Federation of Teachers, Loretta Johnson.

It looks like the weather is going to cooperate; now the only question is, will you be there?

UCATS Rally
Tuesday, November 1
5:15 pm - or as soon as you get off work!
7 East 12th Street
Bring colleagues, family and friends.
Bring signs.
Make NOISE!!!

Best,
Stephen Rechner
President, UCATS

Photos of Angela Davis and UCATS @ Occupy Washington Square Park

After the unseasonable cold and snow on Saturday, the weather was positively pleasant on Sunday for Angela Davis's speech at Occupy Washington Square Park. Ms. Davis spoke movingly about the need for positive change and collective action.

Members of your UCATS bargaining team were there to leaflet the crowd and spread the word about our big rally Tuesday evening.





UCATS shop steward and bargaining team member Chris Crowe got up in front of the Occupy Washington Square Park general assembly and delivered the following speech:

Greetings! My name is Christopher Crowe. I’m a proud member of UCATS Local 3882,
which represents the 99% at NYU.

Our contract expires TOMORROW. We’ve been negotiating with NYU for six weeks. Their proposal – paltry raises. Huge givebacks on healthcare. And the elimination of our right to sue for
discrimination.

We’ve brought our membership out and they’ve been GREAT. But now we appeal to all of you for help.

We’re rallying Tuesday, November 1st at 7 East 12th Street at 5:15 and you are all invited.

NYU is one of the largest employers in the most important city in the country. What it does matters, not just to its workers but to ALL workers. Your fight is ours. Our fight is yours.