Union Meeting Minutes: April 15th, 2007

In attendance: Jamie M., Jessica L., Josh Muia, Marcie Noble, Keith Russo, Mike Ciletti, Lisa Horton, Julie Roos, David Dobbie, Erdal Terkivatan, Micah Erwin, Elise, Julie Houck, Tim Duby, Brendan Weaver, Meghan Cook, Jason Trowbridge, David Zwart, Liz Bradshaw, Mike Bader, Julie Roberts.

1. Nominations for Executive Committee: David Zwart announced the nominations for officers is officially open. All nominations should be made to a current officer, either in a union meeting or in written form. Some nominations were made:

President: Jessica Lynam, Jason Trowbridge, Mike Ciletti

Vice-President: Jason Trowbridge, Elise Boneau, Mike Ciletti,

Information Officer: Bredan Weaver, Jamie McCandless, Elise Boneau, Keith Russo

Treasurer: Julie Houck, Tim Duby, Marcie Noble.

2. Updates:

a. Bargaining: Jason reported that the administration was finally presenting their economic offer, though the whole package would have to wait until Tuesday. The meeting was frustrating because it is apparent that the administration had put forth no effort to investigate the health care offered to students or available elsewhere. We got some gains on dues and agency fees-they agreed to the automatic deduction in the case of penalties.

b. organizing: David Zwart asked that members meet at the union office at 9pm on Tuesday to review the administrations offer. He also noted that too few people came to distribute leaflets last Tuesday. Meghan Cook noted that those people coming from Siebert administration building were interested in the information.

c. Executive: David Zwart talked with Larry Tolbert, had an email with Dieter Haeneke, and Paul Wilson. Larry Tolbert had little to offer but was surprised that the health case was so bad. Paul Wilson had talked a little with the faculty, but was not offering any strong statements. He said that we need to be transparent in our demands with the administration so that the faculty isn't blindsided by our contract.

3. Organizing: David opened the discussion by noting that we still did not have a set time and place for the membership meeting. He suggested the Sangren Hall was the most likely place, and likely at 5:15. David Zwart then suggested that we do another poster to boost support for the strike. This opened up a large discussion about the strike again. Keith Russo objected the strike on the grounds that it would alienate both faculty and undergrads, possible avenues of support. The discussion about the type of strike was reopened. Jessica Lynam noted that she had already talked with her students, and they were supportive. Micah and Elise added that they had talked with their chairs, and they were also supportive. Mike Bader from GEO suggested that if collateral damage was our concern to hold department meetings to garner support. Jason Trowbridge noted that the point to the strike was to create a administrative problem, the size of which the administration would not know. The threat was the leverage.

David Zwar then asked that people have members sign a petition to support the strike, those number would indicate how we precede. David also asked if we should picket on Thursday, but there was not much support. Brenda Weaver suggested using the email list of SUAS to flood Haeneke's inbox. He made a motion to that effect. GEO and AFT email lists could also be used for the same purpose. The discussion was positive about this idea, but concern was expressed over how effective it would be. The motion was withdrawn.

David Zwart concluded debate about the strike be emphasizing face to face meetings in selected departments. Apartments were assigned from the current lists to various members.

Meeting ended at 5pm.