The Special Plan is no longer operative

Article 24: Salary and Benefits

24.1 The University and the Association agree to establish jointly a committee to develop a long-term salary, benefits, and pension policy for faculty members and librarians, such policy to be submitted for final ratification by the faculty members and librarians.

24.2 Salary and benefits for faculty members and librarians shall be negotiated annually, or at two year intervals if the University and the Association are in agreement. Negotiations shall be in accordance with the following procedures:

24.2.1 The University undertakes by October 15th each year to provide to the Association financial information concerning the factors that are involved in the process of preparing the University’s operating budget, and information to be used by the Association to assist in the preparation of its negotiating position.

24.2.2 By February 1st both the University and the Association will exchange written statements outlining amendments, additions and/or deletions which are being sought for the ensuing year in salary and benefit programs for faculty members and librarians.

24.2.3 The parties thereupon bargain in good faith and make every reasonable effort to reach an agreement by April 1. It is recognized by both parties to the Agreement that parts of the Salary and Benefits Policy, Article 24, may have to be held in abeyance pending notification to the University of external funding announcements and related matters.

24.2.4 When agreement is reached, the terms shall be referred to the membership of the Association for ratification and to the President of the University for approval. This ratification and approval will be completed by April 15.

24.2.5 In the event that agreement is not reached, or if the membership fails to ratify the salary agreement or if the President does not approve it, the negotiations may be resumed until agreement is reached or until such time that either party chooses to engage the services of a mediator. The decision to seek a mediator will be made by April 25.

24.2.6 The mediator will be chosen by mutual agreement from a standing list of mediators prepared jointly by the Association and the University. The list of potential mediators, in order of preference, must have been previously agreed to by both parties prior to January 22nd of each year. The list of potential mediators may be amended from time to time by mutual consent. The name of an individual who has served as mediator at the University may subsequently be permanently removed from the list at the wish of either party.

24.2.7 All unresolved items, save those deleted by mutual agreement, shall be submitted to the mediator. The mediator shall have three weeks to bring about agreement between the parties and to report on his or her efforts. If agreement has not been reached within three weeks after the appointment of the mediator or, in any case, by May 31, the mediator shall within three days inform the President of the University and the President of the Association in writing of the failure to reach an agreement, the final position of the parties in mediation, and the mediator’s recommended terms of settlement. The expenses of the mediator shall be borne equally by the parties to this Agreement.

24.2.8 When a settlement is reached or the recommendation of the mediator accepted, both parties shall sign an agreement binding the parties to all terms and conditions resolved.

24.2.9 If the recommendation of the mediator is not accepted by both parties within 5 days of receipt, the recommendation will be presented to the Board at a meeting in June and each party will present to the Board their views as to the mediator’s recommendations. The recommendation of the mediator will be accepted by both parties unless at least two-thirds of those Board members present and eligible to vote, vote against it. In such case the Board shall determine a salary and benefits settlement by July 1st.

24.2.10 In the event a period within which, or a date upon which, any act or step is to be taken begins, ends or falls on a Saturday, Sunday or paid holiday, the next business day following a Saturday, Sunday or a paid holiday shall be the date on which such period begins, ends, or upon which step or act is to be taken.