We are particularly concerned about the BOT’s proposal to delay raises until January, one for which we have been given no explanation except that UF must address many other unspecified “issues”. When pressed for examples, BOT negotiators said that “a boiler might blow or the Music Building might need repairs.” We cannot understand why faculty salaries should be held hostage to such contingencies, especially with UF holding substantial unrestricted reserves (some $148m in 2014, according to the Florida Auditor General.)
As you know, we are well below our peers in terms of compensation, and we have seen our retirement benefits eroded. Many colleagues have left UF. For these reasons, your bargaining team will continue to work toward a better agreement. We will put a new proposal to the BOT at our next meeting: July 30 at 1:30 in Griffin-Floyd 303. This meeting, as usual, is open to the public. We will continue to keep you abreast of developments.
bargaining@uff-uf.org