UH union says talks
are at an impasse

By Harold Morse
Star-Bulletin

Contract negotiations with the state are at an impasse, says the University of Hawaii Professional Assembly.

UHPA is asking the Hawaii Labor Relations Board to declare an impasse exists and invoke impasse resolution procedures. The state had no immediate response, according to the governor's office.

Since Jan. 22, the state has neither agreed to any UHPA proposal nor made any offers, counteroffers or proposals of its own, the faculty union says.

UHPA Executive Director J.N. Musto said yesterday that UHPA presented a comprehensive written proposal for dozens of proposed changes in the collective-bargaining agreement for UH employees at a 2-1/2-hour January meeting more than five weeks ago.

"UHPA understands the employer's position to be a total rejection of all UHPA proposals," Musto said. "Although it is rare for a total rejection of all proposals to occur, it can happen, and in this case the employer's actions speak louder than words."

A summary of UHPA proposals says 2 percent pay raises are sought in a two-year contract and larger percentage state contributions to faculty health plans also are asked. Other items include more time for faculty members to do private consulting work, a limit on the instructional workload to 12 credits a semester, eligibility for sabbatical leave after six years and two additional days for bereavement leave.

UHPA also proposes more generous travel allowances, including an increase of per diem for intra-state travel from $80 to $100 a day, arbitration of promotion rejections and union access to members' personnel files if members request union representation in a grievance.