University names panel for labor talks

YSU is taking a different approach
to labor negotiations.

By HAROLD GWIN

VINDICATOR EDUCATION WRITER

YOUNGSTOWN — Youngstown State University has appointed a six-member negotiations management committee to oversee contract talks with its two largest labor unions.

Contracts for the 380 faculty represented by the Ohio Education Association and the 400-member Association of Classified Employees don’t expire until next August, but indications are that talks could begin this fall.

Dr. David C. Sweet, YSU president, told the university’s Academic Senate on Wednesday that the administration will have separate negotiating teams for both unions but the management side of the talks will be overseen by a negotiations management committee.

It’s something the university hasn’t tried before, he said, explaining that it may speed up the bargaining process.

The administration will meet soon with the YSU Board of Trustees to go over the parameters of the university’s position, and the negotiations management committee will be authorized to negotiate tentative contract agreements based on that framework, he said.

Spokesmen for both unions see the change as positive.

A common complaint in talks in 2005 was that the administrative bargaining team had no authority to approve anything and had to constantly go back to the trustees for approvals.

‘Positive step’

Bob Hogue, OEA spokesman, said the new approach is “a very positive step.”

What was used three years ago didn’t work, he said. Negotiations broke down and both unions went on strike in late summer 2005, reaching agreements on new contracts just before fall classes started.

“I believe it’s a positive step,” said Ivan Maldonado, ACE president, adding that he is pleased Sweet decided to engage in negotiations in this manner.

It is in everyone’s best interest to get contracts settled quickly and start a new era in YSU labor relations, he said, noting that he is looking forward to a quick round of negotiations. ACE is ready to begin immediately, he said.

Sweet said the two administrative negotiating teams aren’t in place yet, although Dr. Cynthia Anderson, vice president of student affairs, has agreed to head up the team dealing with the faculty.

The members of the negotiations management committee are: Dr. Ikram Khawaja, interim provost, as chairman; Anderson; Gene Grilli, vice president of finance and administration; Craig Bickley, chief human resources officer; Atty. Holly Jacobs, university general counsel; and Neal McNally, director of budget planning and resource analysis.

gwin@vindy.com