The St. Mary’s College Administration held an open-microphone forum Friday evening regarding union contract negotiations on campus. This came in response to the group of thirteen students who respectfully occupied the President’s Office beginning early last Tuesday as part of a Solidarity Protest seeking justice for employees and students.
Provost Larry Vote served as orator and was pleased to announce that union and college negotiators had come to an agreement on contract terms around 8:30 p.m. Thursday night. Although the new measures must be voted on and approved by both sides, fliers distributed at the meeting outlined the key components of the new proposed contract, which include:
– Minimum wage increase of almost $3,000 to $23,000
– $1,500 raise for all employees with an additional $1,000 every July for the next three years
– Raises of 3-5% annually based on merit
– Union representation on the Strategic Planning Committee
– Caretakers will have a more regular Monday thru Friday workweek
– More flexibility in shift changes
– Greater awareness and prevention against discrimination and intimidation
About 75 people, mainly union members and college staff or faculty members, congregated in St. Mary’s Hall to voice their opinions. Although administrators President Maggie O’Brien and Chief Financial Officer Tom Botzman were present, as well as the Sit-In student protesters, attendees did not have an opportunity to ask questions of the students or administrators, which many who came searching for answers found frustrating. However, Provost Vote did specify the five objectives of the ‘Sitters:’ a living wage of $32,000, merit rewards, and overtime pay for employees, and the election of a Student Trustee and a $10 minimum wage for student employees instead of the current $6.15 starting wage for most campus jobs.
Public Safely Officer and union negotiator Ren John applauded the students for their efforts, asserting there was no real progress in union negotiations until recently, “owing only to the fact that students promoted the issue.”
English Professor and member of the Strategic Planning Committee Robin Bates questioned the motives of the ‘Sitters,’ saying, “Income differentials are absurd. Is the Sit-In supposed to solve this national scandal? Is the college supposed to solve this national problem?”
President O’Brien addressed the group toward the end of the hour and a half meeting saying that the issue of a ‘Living Wage’ equating to roughly $32,000 will be investigated and taken up by the Board of Trustees. However, she remains skeptical that the trustees will accept such a proposal. O’Brien made clear that the ultimate decision is not for her to make saying, “Maggie O’Brien does not do budgets. The community does budgets.”
The ‘Sitters’ continued occupy the President’s Office until 11:50 a.m. Monday morning after nearly a week-long Solidarity Sit-In. According to a campus-wide letter sent on behalf of the ‘Sitters,’ “Negotiations were unilaterally called off by the administration. We have reached the end of our effectiveness in this space and have decided to move out and pursue this iss
