Members Identify Key Issues for New Cornell Contract

March 2009

Wages not keeping up with the cost of living and the rising cost of health insurance are the key issues on members’ minds according to our 2009 Bargaining Surveys. But there are other issues of concern as well.

• The need for unemployment benefits during periods of seasonal layoff is clearly the next highest rated issue — after wages and health insurance.
• Short staffing, heavy workloads and work schedules that are not family friendly are also critical issues for many workers. Frustration around these issues is mounting rapidly.
• There is also a felt need to be more consistent and systematic in applying seniority (years of service) to scheduling, promotions and wages.
• There is frustration that while promotions and career development are given lip service, in practice there are few opportunities. When opportunities arise strong internal candidates are ignored.
• Many members identify better dental and optical coverage as important needs.
• Vacation leave is another source of frustration. It is too limited to begin with and then members are forced to use it for seasonal layoffs to take care of personal or family responsibilities.
• Unused sick days should be reimbursable in some way