91ÇÑ×ÓÊÓƵ

91ÇÑ×ÓÊÓƵ moves negotiations forward despite lack of proposals, engagement from CAUSE

The Latest: As 91ÇÑ×ÓÊÓƵ continues to negotiate with CAUSE, the 91ÇÑ×ÓÊÓƵ Bargaining Team is growing increasingly worried that the lack of comprehensive proposals from CAUSE negotiators is not in the best interests of CAUSE employees and is putting their key priorities at risk.

• CAUSE representatives did not have any articles prepared for the beginning of today's bargaining session (the 8th one so far), including no responses or new proposals to 91ÇÑ×ÓÊÓƵ on 91ÇÑ×ÓÊÓƵ’s compensation and benefits proposals.

• CAUSE representatives also recently confirmed they will not consider changes to the current list of contested positions.

Why it Matters: We know employees have questions about the progress of negotiations and a strong desire to resolve the uncertainty around contested positions. We’ve been seeking to resolve these issues through bargaining.

• The lack of active engagement and forward movement on either front from CAUSE negotiators raises the real risk that a contract may not be reached in time for the March 19, 2027 legislative deadline.

Bargaining Update: Last week, 91ÇÑ×ÓÊÓƵ explicitly requested that CAUSE negotiators respond to the University's complete, 17-article master package proposal - including all monetary terms like compensation - to keep things moving forward.

• Despite those repeated, clear requests and additional urging from 91ÇÑ×ÓÊÓƵ’s Bargaining Team to consider compensation proposals today, CAUSE negotiators did not present a package during the negotiation day and did not provide any response or new proposal on wages or benefits.

• In order to keep things moving, 91ÇÑ×ÓÊÓƵ presented a 6th and a 7th complete contract proposal to CAUSE negotiators, incorporating key priorities and language from previous CAUSE proposals.

Contested Positions: The University has identified more than 300 positions that we believe were improperly included in the Unit. In discussions last week, CAUSE negotiators explicitly stated they will not consider clarifications to the union membership roster based on job descriptions and duties.

• Unfortunately, this means the university’s best attempts to negotiate a solution have been rebuffed, and staff in contested positions will remain in the Unit for the time being.

• 91ÇÑ×ÓÊÓƵ is evaluating other available options to resolve contested positions and provide certainty to impacted staff. We anticipate sharing more details on those efforts in the coming weeks.

The Bottom Line: 91ÇÑ×ÓÊÓƵ remains committed to having a complete contract in place for CAUSE-represented staff in time for the reviews required before the March 19, 2027 deadline.

• We will continue to meet and bargain in good faith with CAUSE in the hopes of making forward progress.

• We’re also preparing next steps that support a timely resolution on contested positions with clear communication to impacted employees.

What’s Next: Bargaining sessions continue

• October 7, 2026

• October 21, 2026

• November 10, 2026

• November 18, 2026