Labor negotiations update

Dear Colleagues,

We are writing to share an update after two bargaining sessions were held with the AAUP this week. 

We are pleased to report that the parties have reached a consensus on many non-economic issues related to the collective bargaining agreement. With the contract deadline nearing, it is imperative that the negotiations immediately focus on serious economic issues that must be addressed.

To that end, the administration requested as many additional bargaining sessions as needed over the next six days. At this time, the union leadership has agreed to bargain on Tuesday and Wednesday. 

Although the union leadership has indicated its willingness to extend the contract beyond the deadline of Aug. 31, the administration’s goal remains to reach an agreement by that date.

As has been shared with our community many times, Rider must make immediate and fundamental changes to its instructional model to sustain the institution. A renegotiated contract will help achieve short-term cost reductions and longer-term structural adjustments that will ultimately position Rider to achieve financial stability, while still providing bargaining unit members competitive terms and conditions of employment. The administration continues to bargain in good faith.

We will continue to provide updates next week.
 

Sincerely,

The Rider University Collective Bargaining Team

Matthew Stieglitz, Esq., Associate Provost & Legal Counsel for Academic Affairs
Dr. DonnaJean Fredeen, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Dr. Eugene Kutcher, Dean of the Norm Brodsky College of Business
Robert Stoto, Vice President for Human Resources
John Romeo, Esq., Chief Negotiator and Partner with Gibbons P.C.