March 23,2004

Dear Colleagues:

As you know, the current contract for the MSCA day faculty and librarians expired on June 30, 2003. We have been working for 267 days without a contract. It is time for us to come together to express our anger at this situation at the April 20th meeting of the Board of Higher Education, scheduled for 9:30 am at Fitchburg State College.

We have had seventeen negotiations sessions in an attempt to settle a one-year extension of the current agreement. The employer's representatives have refused to offer any pay increases, whether paid by the state or by the colleges themselves. We have requested the assistance of a mediator to help resolve these negotiations.

We have asked repeatedly throughout the past nine months for the employer's proposal for a new three-year contract. We were told at our last bargaining session that such a proposal cannot be provided to us until June 6, 2004 -- 342 days after the expiration of the current contract.

The Governor's proposed budget for FY 2005 contains proposals for changes in the state pension system, group health insurance, the collective bargaining law and other benefits, all to the great detriment of our membership. Members are rightly concerned about these proposals and have asked what can be done about them. It is time to communicate loudly and unequivocably that these proposals are unacceptable to us.

Mark your calendar for April 20th and join your colleages from around the state at Fitchburg State College. Further information, including the specific meeting place and driving/parking directions will be distributed later through campus mailboxes. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Pat Markunas
MSCA President

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3/23/04