We made some movement at the faculty bargaining table yesterday. Management increased their second-year raise offer to 2.75%, for a total of 3% + 2.75% + 2.5% over the term of the contract, which is still not enough. Management also came closer to our number on the proportion of overall health insurance cost borne by members versus the university.
Notably, we also aligned with management on a number of items yesterday, including:
- higher promotional increases for the second promotion point;
- a 45-day timeline for getting ratification bonuses to members; and
- a higher cap ($11,500 up from $10,000) on how much a regional faculty member can earn teaching in summer.
As we stressed repeatedly at the table today, management is still offering raises that are well below inflation. Inflation is between 3.5% and 4.0%, which is also where FAM’s current raise proposals are. Even social security benefits are increasing in acknowledgment of that fact. Management is still only offering 2.5% in 2028, which is not a raise — it’s a pay cut, once adjusted for inflation. Our members understand the increased cost of living and will not settle for such a low amount.
members made “2.5% is a pay cut” signs at bargaining yesterday.
While we had hoped to reach agreement on our contract in October, we know you’ll agree that we can’t accept those terms in this economy. Not while the Board of Trustees has just approved a one-time bonus for President Crawford that is higher than 92% of full-time faculty members’ annual salary.
We hope to bargain again soon, but we don’t have additional dates just yet. Until we do, join us today, Thursday, October 15, 6-8pm in Bachelor 1042, for a a free, exclusive Miami screening of First They Came for My College, a documentary film about the attacks on higher education as exemplified at the New College in Florida (followed by a discussion with the filmmakers).
Member pressure is our path to closing our contract. We’ve gained 14 new members in recent months as bargaining demonstrates the university’s misguided priorities and the need to fight. Not yet a member? Join the FAM (faculty / librarian) today! Questions? Want more details? Reach out to us at info@famiami.org.