Update on the Latest Bargaining Session with SHENS-UAW Local 7902, Student Health Employees
Yesterday, the university bargaining team met with SHENS-UAW Local 7902, the union representing our Student Health Employees.
As part of our commitment to reaching a fair and equitable agreement, the university presented a comprehensive package of economic and non-economic proposals that includes enhanced wages, and benefits, as well as a new professional development fund.
Our offer includes:
Increased Wages
- A 3% wage increase in year one or whatever non-union administrative staff receive, whichever is greater—in addition to the 2.5% increase for 2023.
- A $2,500 bonus payment in year one of the contract upon ratification.
- Offer to include SHENS members in a market salary and pay equity study conducted by a third party, which would automatically adjust salaries in year two of the contract to a new rate if supported by the study with a guaranteed minimum 2.5% increase in year two, or whatever non-union administrative staff receive, whichever is greater.
- Increases of 2.5% in year 3 and 4 of the contract or whatever non-union administrative staff receive, whichever is greater.
Retirement Benefits
- Agreement to expand eligibility for Retirement-Medicare Gap benefit to include part-time staff with 10 or more years of service in the new contract.
Student Loan Support Program
- Providing non-taxable reimbursement of up to $2,500 for staff with at least one year of service as allowed under the CARES Act.
Professional development fund
- Establishing a new professional development fund totaling $12,500 annually in addition to the existing reimbursement for license and certification renewals.
Paid Leave of Absence
- An increase in NYC Safe & Sick Leave benefits to a total of 56 hours.
Uniforms
- Providing a new set of scrubs annually for medical staff.
- Free laundering of lab coats.
We believe this is a strong, competitive offer with significant enhancements and new benefits that address concerns presented by the SHENS bargaining committee. It is our goal and hope that we can reach an agreement with the union sooner rather than later.
Our next scheduled bargaining session with SHENS is November 6, and we look forward to hearing from the union in response to our offer. As always, the university stands ready and available to meet sooner or more frequently as well.
You can stay updated by visiting our Union Negotiations page, signing up for email updates here, and by following @knowournewschool on Twitter/X and Instagram.