| Coalition of University Employees (CUE) | 2855 Telegraph Ave., Suite #302, Berkeley, CA 94705 Contact CUE (510) 845-2221 (phone), (510) 845-7444 (FAX) |
December 5, 2002
Sharon Hayden
UCOP Labor Relations
Office of the President
300 Lakeside Dr, 12th Floor
Oakland, CA 94612
Via: FAX 510/268-0602
Dear Sharon:
I am writing to confirm our telephone conversation of Wednesday afternoon, December 4, 2002. I called you to discuss our next steps, after PERB declined to declare impasse. I let you know that CUE was prepared to return to the bargaining table as soon as possible. I further indicated that, while CUE does not believe that the parties are at impasse, we believe that both parties would benefit from pre-impasse mediation. I mentioned that I spoke with Micki Callahan, Director of the State Mediation and Conciliation Service, who indicated that she is willing to serve as a mediator and that she would make time to do so. We hope that the University will agree to this suggestion.
I also reiterated CUE’s concern about the University’s "last, best and final" offer, presented to CUE on August 7, 2002, and restated our position that that offer is not only illegal, but also poses an impediment to reaching an agreement. You indicated that that offer was “advisory” and subject to change.
Finally, we discussed dates. You stated that you were not available in December, and I stated that I was not available on January 6-7, 2003. You suggested January 2 or 3 to work out ground rules for the mediation, and January 13-14 and January 30-31 as dates when we could meet with the mediator. We are available to meet on January 13-14 and 30-31, but are not available on January 2-3. I will check with Micki as to her availability on those days.
I look forward to hearing from you as soon as possible.
Sincerely,
Margy Wilkinson
Chief Negotiator, CUE
cc: Claudia Horning, CUE President
CUE Bargaining Team