97-08-15 Union Ratifies Contract with OSU

UNION RATIFIES CONTRACTS WITH THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY

	COLUMBUS -- Bargaining unit members of the Communications Workers of
America Local 4501 on Thursday (Aug. 14) ratified three-year agreements
with The Ohio State University.

	The contracts expired March 31.  Talks had begun in February to replace
the three agreements.  The new agreements will go into effect Sunday (Aug.
17) and run through March 31, 2000.  The contracts cover about 1,900 of the
university’s skilled trades and service employees.  Another agreement
governs the work rules, but not wages, of approximately 300 employees in
various classifications campuswide who elect to be members of the union.

	“We’re pleased the employees voted to ratify the agreements, and that we
can now look forward to a positive working relationship,” said Mark Ringer,
director of employee relations.  “Both parties have a number of initiatives
to work on as a result of the contracts.”

	The wage package calls for a first-year increase of 3 percent, plus a
one-time cash payment of $150.  Union employees at University Hospitals
will receive a 3 percent wage hike and a $100 cash payment.  Hospital
employees also are eligible for an incentive program if they meet certain
standards for patient care.

	During the second year, campus and hospital employees will receive a 3
percent gain, and in the third year, they will receive a 2 percent
increase.  At the hospitals, a portion of the second-year increase and all
of the third-year hike will be effective on the employees’ anniversary
date.  Other employees receive their annual increase at the beginning of
the university’s fiscal year.

	The wage agreement contains a clause stating that if the nonunion
classified civil service staff receive higher average percentage wage
increases in years two and three, the university will match the higher
percentages for union members as well.

	“A continuing goal of the university has been to maintain approximate
parity among union and nonunion classified staff with regard to
compensation and benefits,” Ringer said.  “The 3 percent increase this year
achieves that, and we agreed to maintain parity on increases in the second
and third years.”

	The union had sought increases of 6 percent in the first year and 8
percent in the second and third years.  In June, the union rejected a
three-year offer of 3, 2.5 and 2 percent increases.

	Other aspects of the agreement change the discipline process for minor
infractions so it is more proactive and less punitive, Ringer said.  After
a written reprimand, employees will receive one-day suspensions for minor
infractions before termination.  In the past, suspensions lasted three,
five or 10 days.

	The agreement improves labor and management cooperation by encouraging
improved communications and enhancing the role of the union steward to
facilitate problem resolution, Ringer said.  The contract introduces a new
level of union steward -- a lead chief steward -- who must be an effective
problem-solver, good role model, skilled at developing good relationships
with members and managers, and an advocate of high-quality working
environments.

	The university and union also agreed to establish a subcommittee of each
of its labor and management committees to examine the training and
development needs of bargaining unit members, Ringer said.  The goal of the
subcommittees will be to propose recommendations on training initiatives,
he said.

	The pact also brings several items, such as probationary periods, call-in
procedures and leave guidelines, into line with policies for nonunion
classified civil service staff.

	In response to concerns, the university provided the union with a
memorandum of understanding that states the employees will continue to
receive paychecks at least twice a month instead of monthly.

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Contact: Mark Ringer, director of employee relations, 614-292-8383
Written by David Bhaerman, University Communications, 614-292-8422
 

[Submitted by: Ruth Gerstner  (gerstner.2@osu.edu)
               
Fri, 15 Aug 1997 14:24:45 -0400]
All documents are the responsibility of their originator.