Bargaining 101: The Bargaining Process

Bargaining is about to begin, and that means it’s time for the next installment in our Bargaining 101 series! This semi-regular column in our email newsletters and on our blog and social media will feature learning resources and guides to make sure every adjunct can follow along and support our amazing team as we fight for a great new contract!

You know all about the power of collective bargaining and the fact that PSUFA has assembled an all-star team to negotiate a great contract for all adjuncts at PSU. But do you know how it all happens? If you’re curious to understand the process of collective bargaining in more depth, read on! Our handy graphic breaks it all down (text version after the jump!)

  1. Prepare for Bargaining: PSUFA and Management establish teams and set ground rules

  2. Direct Bargaining: Parties meet to review proposals with legal obligation to bargain in good faith for at least 150 days with an attempt to reach an agreement.

  3. Mediation: If parties don't reach agreement after 150 days, either side can initiate mediation. After 15 days, an impasse can be declared.

  4. Impasse: Within 7 days of declaring an impasse, both parties are required to submit final offers and cost summaries to mediator (our full-time colleagues in PSU-AAUP have just reached this stage in their bargaining process!)

  5. Cooling Off: A 30 day cooling off period follows the publication of final offer. This time allows for further attempts at resolution.

  6. PSUFA Can Strike: If no agreement is reached, PSU can implement its last, best, and final proposal. PSUFA can legally hold a strike and demand better than PSU's final offer.