The Culinary contract was the topic for discussion today at negotiations. The Unity Negotiations Team met at 2:30 June 1 in J 202. Representing the four bargaining units were: Michelle Bevan, Phil Cragg, Renee DeAngleo, Dan Matt, Will Parsons, Marsha Patrick, Jim Sacchinelli, Jim Usilton, Penny Wells, and Dom Nigro. Karen Beckman, Cindy DeFalco, and Joe Rossi were on the other side of the table representing the Board.

Joe handed out copies of proposed changes in the culinary faculty’s contract and went over the changes. After Joe, Cindy, and Karen left, the reaction of the team was similar to what happened after Joe’s proposed changes to the support staff contract. “What the Hell is going on?” “Where did this stuff come from?” For instance the proposal calls for a thirty percent increase in teaching time with no increase in salary. In culinary, there are three supervisors for thirteen culinary faculty. That would never be allowed in industry. That area is top heavy. These supervisors are scheduled for a 17% “adjustment” in salary and perhaps more to go with title changes. But, there is no money for the people that actually do the work and bring in the money.

The team went through the proposed changes, trying to find items they could say “yes” to, but there weren’t many. After an hour of group therapy and contract analysis, the Team brought the Board’s representatives back to the table and went over the Board’s proposal. Dom explained that the culinary faculty have been very flexible in scheduling and in teaching noncredit courses and will continue to be flexible. He also explained that we might be able to agree to more if Joe could present the vision the administration has for the Culinary Academy and the business model these changes are based on. Joe’s response was, “We have to meet the needs of the students and contain costs.” This session ended at 5:00. The next negotiations session is scheduled for June 8, Thursday, 2:30 with ACCCOSAP, middle managers. Will Parsons, Unity Negotiations Team Coordinator