The Unity Negotiation Team met with Board representatives on June 22 in J 202 to discuss the Support Staff contract. The Unity Team was represented by Michelle Bevan, Phil Cragg, Dan Matt, Mitch Mischlich, Dom Nigro, Will Parsons, Marsha Patrick, Ed Perkins, Heather Peterson, Rhonda Petruzzi, Jim Sacchinelli, Jim Usilton, and Penny Wells. Representing the Board were Karen Beckman and Joe Rossi.

The Team gathered in the Board Room at 11:30 am and spent two hours discussing SSAACCC proposals, Board proposals, and our counter-proposals. At 2:00 Joe and Karen entered. Dom went over the proposals one by one. “OK” “NO” “Put that on hold” “We could probably live with that, if…” Joe Rossi showed his frustration by his sarcastic comments and interruptions. “Where are we going with this?” “There is nothing of substance here.” “Where is your cost containment?” “I am waiting for your cost containment proposal before I respond to that” After Dom finished, Joe and Karen left at 2:30.

There was then another two-hour break while Joe and Karen drew up a counter proposal. They returned at 4:27. The Board Team did drop some of their proposed changes. And there was a positive announcement by Joe Rossi that the administration agreed to meet with Culinary Faculty representative to explain the vision of the new Academy of Culinary Arts. The Negotiations Team had requested that earlier.

The next session is Monday at 2:00 with the faculty group, TLC. The TLC people will meet earlier at 1:30 to do strategic planning.

Will Parsons, Unity Negotiations Coordinator.