Bargaining Committee

Election Notice
Bargaining Committee Responsibilities
Election Rules


Bargaining Committee Election Notice

NOTICE OF NOMINATION AND ELECTION FOR THE UNION BARGAINING COMMITTEE
(up to seven [5] positions)

August  18, 2022

Per our contract, we will begin negotiations over childcare benefits and international postdoc rights this fall. These articles were not included in our first contract, but the contract included the ability for the parties to reopen the contract to bargain over these two issues if the Union requests no later than October 1, 2022. In order for us to bargain over these two issues, we must first elect our bargaining committee. 

Nominations are hereby declared open for the University of Connecticut Postdoctoral Researchers Union Bargaining Committee (up to five [5] positions): All Postdoc Union members in good standing  are automatically nominated for the Bargaining Committee.

 The bargaining committee will have up to five members.

 Any eligible Union member who wishes to accept the nomination for one of the five (5) Bargaining Committee positions listed above may accept nomination by submitting in writing a statement of acceptance to the Elections Committee no later than 5pm on Thursday, September 1, 2022 by e-mail to uconnpostdocsunion@gmail.com.

See below for details about the responsibilities of bargaining committee members and details about the elections process.

Bargaining Town Halls

You will be able to  get more information and ask questions about the reopener and bargaining process at two upcoming virtual town halls on the following dates and times:

  • Monday, 8/29/22 at 12:00 pm
  • Tuesday, 8/30/22 at 6:00 pm

Election Process 

Candidate statements

Each candidate may write and submit a candidate statement of no more than 500 words. These statements will be posted on the postdoc union website if there are contested elections. 

 It is the responsibility of the candidate to submit the candidate statement. All candidate statements must be received by the time nominations close at 5pm on Thursday, September 1, 2022, to the Elections Committee at uconnpostdocsunion@gmail.com.

 Election Dates, Times and Locations

In the event that the number of eligible candidates who accept nomination for the specified position do not exceed the number of open positions (up to five [5] positions), such candidates will be deemed elected by acclamation and no election will be held.

If more than five people accept nomination, an election will be conducted with the top five) vote getters being elected.

 Elections would take place on Monday, September 12th, 2022 via an online election. 

 A run-off election, in an event of a tie for the seventh position, will be held on Monday, September 19th. The time and location will be announced if necessary.


Union Bargaining Committee Responsibilities

The primary responsibility of the committee is to negotiate a reponer of collective bargaining agreement with the University administration’s team. The reopener will be regarding childcare benefits and international postdoc rights. 

Election to the committee obligates each member to represent and fight for the best possible contract for all members of the bargaining unit.

The committee will be trained and assisted by experienced negotiators from the UAW who will also participate in the negotiations with the University. See below for specific responsibilities.

  • Develop and present contract language proposals to the University bargaining team for negotiation.
  • Attend negotiating sessions with the University and Union internal caucuses or meetings in order to advance our bargaining agenda.
  • Assess, analyze, and respond to university bargaining proposals and develop union counter proposals.
  • Keep the membership and allies informed and educated about the negotiations and the process.
  • Coordinate with the volunteer organizing committee, working groups, and other activists on a strategic campaign to win a strong reopener language that can be recommended for ratification.
  • Make a recommendation to the membership on whether to approve a contract or take other actions (e.g. a vote to authorize the committee to invoke interest arbitration if necessary).

Committee members should assume that the time commitment can be significant but will vary week by week and is flexible. Note that the schedule of bargaining itself is subject to negotiation with the University.

If you have any questions about the bargaining roles or responsibilities, please attend the town halls on Monday, 8/29/22 at 12:00pm and Tuesday 8/30/22 at 6:00pm. 


Election Rules

The following is a guide to electioneering in accordance with UAW and Local 6950 procedures:  

  • Neither Union nor Employer funds may be used to promote the candidacy of any candidate in a union election. This prohibition applies to cash, facilities, equipment, space, vehicles, office supplies, copy machines, etc. This includes the funds/resources of any and all unions or employers. Union supporters may not campaign on time paid for by the Union or the Employer. Employees of the UAW or Local 6950 may not campaign on time paid for by the UAW or Local 6950. Employees may not campaign on time paid for by the University of Connecticut or another employer.  
  • Candidates may request to inspect (not copy) the list of union supporters once prior to election. No candidate may receive a copy of the list or copy information from the list. To arrange an inspection of the list, send an email to the Local 6950 Election Committee at [email address].  
  • Candidates may have one observer at each of the polls for the duration of the election. Candidates must identify their observer(s) prior to the election by emailing uconngeuelections@gmail.com
  • Campaign literature, print or electronic, may not use images commonly associated with the Union or the Employer (e.g., the UAW wheel, Local 6950 logo, UConn logo, etc.).  
  • No electioneering is allowed within [25 feet] of the polling places.  
  • Supporters may campaign for the candidate(s) of their choice without being subject to penalty, discipline, or reprisal of any kind.