August 15, 2007

Dear MSCA Faculty and Librarians:

The MSCA Bargaining Committee met with representatives of the Council of Presidents-Board of Higher Education today for our 19th negotiations session.

We were offered a one-year deal (effective July 1, 2007) that is less than what other state employee unions have secured. The offer we received today was 3.5% across-the-board plus 0.3% in other base salary monies. The National Association of Government Employees (NAGE) has settled a one-year deal worth 4.81% and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) has settled a one-year deal worth 5.81%, retroactive to January 1, 2007.

The MSCA and MTA leadership are continuing to pursue additional monies (effective July 1, 2007) at the highest levels of the Patrick administration. We have documented that the additional monies we are seeking are fully justified.

The COP-BHE's language proposals have been withdrawn or can be resolved with further negotiations.

The MSCA Bargaining Committee has offered meeting dates every day next week (8/20 to 8/24). We are waiting for a response from management on further meeting dates.

YOUR ACTION IS NEEDED!

Your help NOW will be valuable to our efforts on your behalf. Please send a message ASAP from your non-college email account to Governor Deval Patrick (go to www.mass.gov and click on "Governor Patrick" or call 617-725-4005) with the following information:

"I am a faculty member/librarian at [name your college]. Our union, the MSCA, is at the bargaining table and is asking for an economic offer comparable to the NAGE and SEIU settlements. Please authorize the Board of Higher Education to make an economic offer to the MSCA at least comparable to the NAGE and SEIU settlements. Thank you for your prompt action on this issue."

Thanks for your support. We will keep you informed.

The MSCA Bargaining Committee

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