NEGOTIATIONS UPDATE

Dear USE members:

Your Negotiating Committee just finished our first session with AFA management last week in DC.  USE’s proposals were based on your priorities as indicated in the Negotiations Survey results.  Thanks to everyone who took a moment to respond! 

Heather Morse and Dante Harris represented AFA management.  Sara Nelson opened up the session and returned to the table when appropriate to punctuate or further clarify management’s position.  There was a flurry of proposals going back and forth with both sides working to maintain momentum and be responsive.  USE generated the majority of the proposals, and management came with some asks. We have made progress.

Despite the promising start, this will be a tough negotiations.  We are far apart on economic issues and there are a couple of institutional items that will need a lot more discussion.  Due to scheduling conflicts, we are cementing the next in-person session and additional remote ones.  We will report back when those are in place.

Thank you for all of your support and words of encouragement!  Please wear your USE pin (during work hours, on conference calls & web meetings, etc.) and show solidarity with your Negotiating Team!  Also, please visit the USE website (https://useafa.org) to stay up to date.

Your Negotiating Team stands in solidarity with you!

Paula Mastrangelo
Megan Havern
John Perry
Suzanne BalzerTheresa O’Donnal (economist/costing)