March 23, 2004

In light of the attempt to call impasse in contract negotiations by President Richard L. McCormick, the Rutgers University teaching and graduate assistants will be holding a rally and demonstration this Thursday to promote the reopening of contract talks (see attached flyer). The rally will be sponsored by the American Association of University Professors, the union that represents TAs, GAs, professors, and part-time lecturers.

The team bargaining on behalf of the Rutgers University administration walked out of negotiations on March 10, 2004, refusing to discuss the union's last offer and declaring an impasse. This was following Pres. McCormick's repeated assurance on March 4, 2004 that he wanted negotiations to continue and be resolved "quickly and fairly". Declaring an impasse is a move that cannot be made without the University president's knowledge or approval.

An impasse is typically declared when both sides have brought offers repeatedly to the bargaining table, and no progress has been made for a substantial period of time. Pres. McCormick's declaration of impasse follows an extended period during which the union was given a single "take-it-or-leave-it" contractual offer, with no discussion of compromise. The negotiating team for the union has offered to talk for as long as it takes to reach a settlement between the two parties, but was met with a refusal to schedule regular meetings.

Since July 2003, TAs and GAs have been working without a contract or pay raise, despite the growing cost of living in central New Jersey and student fee increases. The cost of living in central New Jersey has increased 28% since 1999, while TA/GA salaries have only increased 6.1%.

Under the contract that expired last summer, the baseline salary for a first-year teaching assistant is $14,300 for ten months of teaching. Student fees eat up nearly $1,100 of this salary every year.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact the AAUP office at 732-445-2278, or either of us at the numbers listed.

Matthew R. Francis, Graduate Assistant (732-648-9445)
Betsy White, Graduate Assistant (609-713-0095)