Tensions flared at a Graduate Assistants United bargaining meeting Friday, held months after the Summer deadline to resolve contracts.
The union, which is negotiating graduate assistant stipend raises, proposed a clause Friday to let it review any raises above a graduate assistant’s minimum stipend.
GAU bargaining chair Bobby Mermer said GAU made the proposal to ensure UF’s plan to give $1 million to graduate assistants in 2018 and 2019 won’t be unfairly distributed.
“It allows us to monitor where the money is going between the different departments so we can ensure it’s equitable,” Mermer said.
When the proposal was brought up, Bill Connellan, UF’s chief negotiator, said he could take the million off the table entirely. He said it takes away jurisdiction from management.
Connellan gesticulated toward the document in front of him and at one point put his hand forcefully down on the table. Mermer raised his voice to talk over Connellan.
“I will not accept what you just proposed,” Connellan said.
When Mermer asked what Connellan could offer in return, Connellan said he would stick to UF’s proposal.
Mermer said he wouldn’t accept it.
“Fine,” Connellan said. “I guess we don’t have a contact.”
At the threat of an impasse, where the negotiations would stop and have to be mediated, the groups scheduled another bargaining session, where Connellan said UF would present its best and last offer.
After the meeting, Connellan said anything could be taken off the table, but he doesn’t want to remove the $1 million proposal because he feels UF is making a good investment.
“I was disappointed, obviously, but I’m convinced we can get there,” he said.
Mermer said the proposed $1 million has made it hard to negotiate stipends for their current graduate assistants.
“Transparency has been an issue throughout this,” said Josh Papacek, GAU’s communications chair. “We’ve consistently harped on wanting to know where this money went, which we think is fair if they’re going to put this on the table and make it part of the package.”
Mermer said to move forward, he would need a breakdown of the pay scale detailing where the money is placed, or for UF to agree to GAU’s previous suggestion of a $700 raise for the first year, a $300 raise for the second year, raises for incoming employees and fee relief in August.
“We’ve helped make this a top-10 university now, and we expect to be treated in kind,” Papacek said.
