As we continue to share updates on collective bargaining and our progress to a fair contract, it is vitally important that you have confidence that university communications related to collective bargaining are consistently accurate and fact-based.
Today, the AAUP-KSU leadership incorrectly stated that the university requested further negotiation sessions only after AAUP-KSU announced on Feb. 25 its intent to conduct an informational picket. While it is entirely possible that AAUP-KSU was not aware, the university informed the federal mediator that it was interested in scheduling additional mediated bargaining sessions at the close of the parties' Jan. 23 session. Vice President for Human Resources Jack Witt then contacted the federal mediator via email on Feb. 11 to request further mediated bargaining sessions.
The details here are far less important than the veracity of our statements that we have consistently expressed a willingness to continue to negotiate in good faith and we remain eager to reach a fair and equitable contract with AAUP-KSU.