After a long hiatus over the summer, negotiations between the Faculty Association and the University have resumed. As we noted in our June 28 blog, our intention was to set arbitration dates before resuming. The parties have agreed on a date for binding interest arbitration with arbitrator Colin Taylor. Arbitrator Taylor will hear arguments the week of February 4, 2013. As part of the process of interest arbitration both parties will make written submissions to the Arbitrator who will, if necessary, provide an award that settles all outstanding issues.
Setting a date for arbitration does not preclude the parties from continuing to attempt to reach an agreement. The parties are free to continue discussions and may reach an agreement at any time up to February 4. In fact, the parties have set aside this entire week (October 22-26) for further negotiations.
It is expected that the discussions this week will either lead to a settlement, or at least clarify the differences between the parties. Members should check the bargaining blog next week for a report on what progress, if any, was made this week.
