Second Update on Labor Negotiations

March 21, 2023
 
Dear Rutgers Faculty and Staff,

Two weeks ago, I wrote to provide you with some information and context regarding our ongoing labor negotiations. My last communication was in advance of the strike authorization vote held by the AAUP-AFT and Rutgers Part-Time Lecturer Faculty Union. I am writing to you today to provide updated information.

Although the leadership of the unions has represented that the result of the vote authorizes them to call a strike, the courts have ruled that strikes by public employees are unlawful in New Jersey.  I am hopeful that an unlawful strike or job action will not be called. Regardless of my hopefulness and optimism, we are taking all appropriate steps to mitigate any possible disruptions that a work action would have for you and, most important, for our students. 

We are in intensive negotiating sessions with our unions and are exchanging proposals on wages and other areas for both faculty and staff. We are making our offers and are responding to counter offers in good faith, and I believe there is real progress being made on reaching agreements on contracts that are fair, reasonable, and responsible. 

As you may know, we have just made offers on compensation to the faculty unions that exceed the wage increases overwhelmingly approved by those unions in their last contracts. These new proposals include an 11.5% increase over the next four years, with the first year’s 3% increase retroactive to July 1, 2022, plus a 2% lump sum salary payment paid out during the first two years of the contract.

We have cleared our schedules and are prepared to continue in our commitment to negotiations that will hopefully bring the current contract uncertainty to a close.

As I previously noted, settling new contracts can be a difficult process, even in prosperous times, and I recognize that the uncertainty and protracted timeline of negotiations can be a source of frustration. But I know that both sides are deeply committed to Rutgers’ success, and I am grateful to the many people from the unions and administration who are working hard to reach agreement on new contracts.

Sincerely,

Jonathan Holloway
President and University Professor