UVM and Staff United reach contract agreement after lengthy negotiation process

The Vermont House General meeting held on April 1, 2025, focused on the recent negotiations between the University of Vermont (UVM) and its staff union, Staff United. The discussions highlighted the complexities of labor negotiations and the mechanisms in place to resolve disputes.

The meeting began with a report on the bargaining process that took place from February to August 2024, during which 18 meetings were held. UVM and Staff United reached agreements on 32 articles but could not finalize three, leading to a declaration of impasse by the union. This prompted the appointment of a fact finder to assist in resolving the outstanding issues. The fact finder ultimately issued a comprehensive decision in March 2025, which is now pending ratification by the union and approval from UVM's board of trustees.

Key points discussed included the effectiveness of the dispute resolution process under the State Employee Labor Relations Act (SELRA), which was praised for preventing work stoppages that could disrupt student education. The general counsel emphasized that the existing contract remained in effect during negotiations, ensuring that employees continued to receive their regular paychecks, although they missed out on raises until the new contract is ratified.

Concerns were raised about recruitment and retention of staff at UVM, with the general counsel asserting that the university maintains competitive pay rates and good employee relations. The discussion also touched on the timelines for grievances filed with the Vermont Labor Relations Board (VLRB), with four pending cases noted, and the potential for delays in the resolution process.

The meeting concluded with a discussion on the implications of strikes in the university context, highlighting the unique challenges posed by labor disputes in higher education compared to K-12 settings. The general counsel reiterated that while strikes are a tool in negotiations, they are not the first recourse, and both parties are encouraged to seek resolution through dialogue and mediation.

Overall, the meeting underscored the ongoing efforts to balance labor relations at UVM, the importance of effective negotiation processes, and the commitment to maintaining educational stability for students. Further updates on the ratification of the new contract and the outcomes of pending grievances are anticipated in the coming months.