Thanks to the 100+ members who showed up for yesterday’s pre-bargaining rally and bargaining session! Sadly, the strong support for the FFAP/FCE bargaining team seems to have spooked the administration team, who were no-shows to the actual 1pm zoom bargaining session.
We had a feeling this would happen, as the administration team has repeatedly objected to the presence of (silent, off-camera, chat-disabled) observers because it would be too “disruptive.” It seems like the only place they are willing to make the case for cutting COLAs is behind closed doors.
As frustrating as it is to have bargaining proceed at this glacial pace, we are confident the momentum is with us, particularly due to your support. To keep the process moving, members of the bargaining team met with administration briefly and secured additional bargaining dates in July. Who knows, maybe they’ll even give us a proposal!
Stay tuned for more information about observing—we remain hopeful they’ll come around and make their nonsensical case for COLA cuts directly to you, the members—because sunlight is the best disinfectant!
Of course, the Federations are staying open to any communications from administration regarding changes in their position on cutting COLAs in the first place.
Want to help spread our message? Don’t forget to download and proudly display our new virtual backgrounds: “No Cuts To COLA!” and “Solidarity Forever.”