One day this email will proclaim good news about an agreement regarding compensation. That day is NOT today.
FAM made a big move at the table in an attempt to reach a compromise, dropping our overall proposal for “time in position” increases, which would have reduced the salary compression for those who have been underpaid by Miami for years. FAM continues to maintain strong raises that actively address losses to inflation and pays our librarians what they are actually worth.
Meanwhile, management has made “movement”… by coming up to a 2% increase in the first year, still with no guaranteed raises for the following years. What a stunning deal by comparison!
Management is also refusing to engage with FAM on Artificial Intelligence. Apparently because they have no way of predicting how AI evolves, they can’t commit to basic protections for our members, such as ensuring evaluations are not performed using the faulty and potentially discriminatory technology. They also refuse to engage with us on Financial Exigency and Retrenchment, which would ensure that, in the event layoffs happen, decisions are made fairly and transparently. Instead, much like some students, they would prefer to procrastinate and hope no one calls on them in class.
So what is a member to do about all of this? We are fighting alongside our members to improve Miami for all librarians, faculty, and students! You can help us make progress on both the librarian and faculty contracts:
- Cook Field Funeral Party: this Friday, May 1st, 12-1pm, collaboration with FAM and Miami students. Our demands: No ICE on campus, real investment in students, and 15%+ raises for faculty and librarians! FAIR CONTRACT NOW! This event is part of May Day Strong “people over billionaires” actions across the nation, as illustrated in the map featured at the top of this page. Read more and RSVP here.
- Come to bargaining to show management we have your support:
- FAM-T (faculty): May 4, 11, 18, 22
- FAM-L (librarians): May 6, 13, 19, 27; June 17 (additional June dates to be discussed)
- Join walkarounds to talk to your colleagues about why this contract matters! Contact info@famiami.org to sign up.
When we fight, we win. Reach out to info@famiami.org to join or get involved!
Solidarity,
Your FAM Negotiating Team
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