University Times

The three-year contract between the University and its service workers expired Dec. 31, but both sides in the negotiating process said that progress on a new contract is being made.

Pitt’s 360 service employees, which include cleaners, movers, groundskeepers and pool operators, are members of Local 3 of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).

According to Tom Hoffman, communications director of the local SEIU chapter, “In contrast to three years ago, both sides are working hard to find common ground, and we’re very optimistic.”

John Greeno, assistant vice chancellor for employee/labor relations and Pitt’s chief negotiator, said the two sides continue to meet regularly, with four meetings scheduled in January.

“Both sides agreed to an extension of the contract into January, and we are making progress in the negotiations,” Greeno said this week. “There have been no particular stumbling blocks.” He declined to specify details of the negotiations.

The service workers went six months under extensions before the most recent contract was ratified in June 2003. That contract included provisions retroactive to Jan. 1, 2003.

—Peter Hart