Employer calls most of our proposals "cost" items
After yesterday's negotiations, the bargaining committee is concerned by the employer's labeling all of our language changes as cost items. What this means effectively is that despite the fact that we've been at the table since September 14th and despite the fact that they have had our non-monetary proposals since November 2nd, we still haven't managed to engage on substantive issues. Because we are supposed to deal with non-monetary items first, this tactic has left a very slim amount of items about which we can have real discussions on the table. As an example of the way they are calling nearly everything a cost item, we proposed that course supervisors complete a workload review for all TAs. We even included a form on the back of the current TUG to expedite the process. We estimated generously that a workload review consists of a 15 minute conversation between a supervisor and the TA. The employer claimed having a review in every case would be too onerous and a significant cost. Really, how can taking the role of supervisor seriously by asking TAs once a semester how they are doing in terms of their workload, and taking on a mentorship role present an added cost to the university?