 |
A Letter from Michael Peel
Dear Yale Colleagues, On April 14, our co-workers who are members of Locals 34 and 35 voted to approve new collective bargaining agreements. These historic agreements signify a new era, one of greatly improved working relationships and restored faith in joint problem-solving. Not only were these new contracts reached without conflict, but negotiations were successfully concluded nine months before the current agreements were set to expire. These early and peaceful settlements spared the University community the distraction and divisiveness that have been the hallmark of Yale's labor-management relationship for far too long. This important outcome reflects years of hard work and commitment from both University and Union leaders. The overall guidance of this effort was provided by the Labor-Management Policy Board, which consists of Union officers (Bob Proto of Local 35 and Laura Smith and Cathy Meyerson of Local 34) and three University officers (Bruce Alexander, Shauna King, and myself). Central to this outcome has been the work led by Best Practices Director, Jane Savage, and her department. While the new labor contracts are a breakthrough worthy of celebration, the work necessary to make sure we not only maintain, but build upon, this positive progress is far from complete. Equipping Yale supervisors with greater labor relations skills, enhancing communications, and continuing to strengthen our Labor-Management Policy Board and Best Practices organizations are all critical steps. Given the difficult economic challenges which all organizations are currently weathering, it is great to see the entire Yale community unified, with colleagues at all levels and in all departments standing shoulder to shoulder. The breakthrough labor settlements have given renewed hope. To learn more about Best Practices, go to www.yale.edu/bestpractices. Sincerely, |
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
||
 |
 |
 |
|
||
|
|
|
Copyright © 2009,
Yale University,
New Haven,
Connecticut, USA.
All rights reserved.
hrcomm@yale.edu