FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 7, 2004

CONTACT: Rudy Bell 732-445-2278

In an earlier release we mentioned that the faculty and teaching/graduate assistants at Rutgers University would be voting to authorize job actions up to and including a strike. AAUP members have been working without a contract since June 30, 2003 and the administration declared impasse on March 10, 2004. Below is an email from AAUP President Rudy Bell announcing the results.

Dear colleague:

In an unusually large response, 77% of participating AAUP members authorized the Executive Council of the Rutgers AAUP to implement job actions, up to and including a strike. This vote clearly documents the frustration and anger of the faculty and TA/GAs at the way the McCormick administration has refused to negotiate with us in good faith.

We understand that a strike so late in the semester would cause substantial and irreversible harm to our students. Therefore, at this time we will carry out other job actions, short of a strike. We have a number of actions planned for the current semester and these will be fashioned to minimize disruption for students. They include a "Let Them Eat Cake" protest at the Board of Governors meeting on April 8th and a teach-in on April 21st. But if the administration continues to avoid reaching a fair settlement, we expect to authorize a strike for the beginning of the Fall 2004 semester. You would be informed about a strike well in advance.

On a more positive note, we are pleased to inform you that New Jersey PERC has appointed a mediator to help us reach a fair settlement. The first mediation session is set for Thursday, April 29th. We had hoped for an earlier start to mediation, as we continue to be ready to negotiate at any time and any place. But we will do our utmost to reach a fair settlement as quickly as possible. We hope the administration is similarly inclined.

We continue to welcome your advice, and we appreciate the effort of all who participated in the job action vote.

Fraternally yours,

Rudy