University Times

Representatives of the University and the union that represents some 540 Pitt custodians, groundskeepers and food service workers are scheduled to return to the bargaining table today, Sept. 11, at 10:30 a.m.

The employees, members of Local 29 of the Service Employees International Union, have been working on a series of contract extensions since their contract with Pitt expired Dec. 31, 1995. The latest extension expires Sept. 15.

Local 29 leaders have proposed a five-year agreement, retroactive to Jan. 1, 1996, with 3 percent wage increases for each contract year. The union also wants bargaining unit members to receive medical benefits solely through the Pittsburgh Building Owners Welfare Fund, with Pitt paying the full cost of those benefits.

Pitt has offered a three-year contract, retroactive to Jan. 1, 1997, with 2 percent raises for the first two years. The raise for 1999, the final year, would be negotiated at a later date "to ensure fairness," according to a letter the University mailed to Pitt Local 29 members last week.

"We cannot predict the actual revenue and cash flow of the University until student enrollment and state appropriations are confirmed for a given year," stated the letter, which was signed by the 10 members of Pitt's bargaining team. "Due both to the size of your membership and the uncertainty of appropriations, as well as the unknown benefits costs in calendar year 1999, we are not in a position to present a specific dollar increase to you at this time." The letter noted that Pitt non-union staff will get 2 percent raises this year for satisfactory performance. Last year, that increase was 2.5 percent. Non-union staff here also pay a share of their health benefits costs, the letter pointed out.

According to the letter, Pitt accepts the idea of Local 29 members getting benefits solely through the Pittsburgh Building Owners Welfare Fund. "However, at this point your leadership is still very uncertain about the actual costs," the letter stated.

Local 29 president Billy Joe Jordan said his negotiating team will bring the benefit rate information to today's meeting.

— Bruce Steele