Negotiations Update - August 26, 2026

Dear USE members:

We finally got management’s wage proposal: They proposed a 1% raise effective October 1 and a 2% increase next July 1. We were shocked to say the least.

Our goal was to exceed the Staff Union’s percentage increase, and this puts us woefully behind them dollar-for-dollar, especially since management’s message in the last negotiations was “accept 3% this time for a 1-year deal and we will have more money next round.”

We have scheduled a USE meeting MONDAY, AUGUST 31st at 7pm EASTERN TIME to discuss developments and plan next steps with you. Please make an effort to join us on the meeting! Come prepared with ideas for bargaining objectives and demands we can put forth to management. Aside from money asks, it would be great to hear your creative ideas that would improve our work lives.

Thank you for all of your support and words of encouragement! Please wear your USE pin and show solidarity with your Negotiating Team and we look forward to talking with you on MONDAY!

Your Negotiating Team stands in solidarity with you!

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