EMERGENCY MEETING (updated): we need to have a contract ratification vote TOMORROW. You will also be able to vote on Sunday and Monday from 9 am to 5 pm in the COGS office in Old Brick. Any further updates will appear on our website event page (link) and our Facebook event page (link).

THIS IS OUR CHANCE to save our healthcare and tuition coverage before the law is changed next week! Spread the word about this meeting!

We will also explain the bargaining committee’s rationale and give the COGS coordinating committee’s recommendation. We will also update you on the threat to our union from Des Moines (see also the flyer below). You must be a COGS member in good standing to participate in the meeting and to vote.
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     Special Meeting to Discuss Ratification of a Contract
Date: Saturday, February 11, 2017
Times: 2:00 pm
Location: Old Brick Main Hall
20 East Market Street
Iowa City, IA 52245
     (you will also be able to vote from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
on 02-12 and 02-13 in Old Brick)

Under Article 29, Section D of the COGS Constitution, the COGS Negotiating Committee has called a Special Meeting to Discuss Ratification of a Contract.

The Negotiating Committee recommends that the Membership accept the Board of Regents’ last offer of 2% total package, which includes maintaining the tuition and fees scholarships, UIGradCare health insurance, a salary increase of approximately 1.4% in each year of the Agreement, and status quo on all other items in the contract. We believe that this offer was made in good faith on December 5, and that their chief negotiator had complete authority to make such an offer. We demand that the Board of Regents honor it.

Ratification of this Agreement prior to the passage of Iowa legislation gutting public sector collective bargaining, which will happen next week in Des Moines, is our attempt to preserve the COGS contract for another two years. The bill will make wages the only mandatory topic of bargaining and will cap salary increases at the rate of inflation or 3%, whichever is less.

Voting will take place by secret ballot at the meeting, and from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm at the COGS office on Sunday and Monday.

Article 29, Section D. Special Meeting to Discuss Ratification of a Contract: In a special meeting for that purpose, the Negotiating Committee shall explain and make recommendations regarding a new contract, and the General Membership will decide by secret ballot whether or not to ratify the contract.  Balloting shall continue in the Union office for two (2) days following the special meeting.  At least fifty per cent (50%) of those voting must affirm the contract in order for it to be ratified.