Tentative Agreement Debate and Discussion

First published in the May 2013 edition of The Bullhorn. The original publication can be found here. 

Student Union 100 filled up with academics and professionals invested in the Tentative Agreement. To offer an expansive discussion of the contract, an informal debate launched off the session. VP for Academics Jeff Miller and VP for Academics-elect Donna Flayhan spoke in support of ratification; former Chapter President Glenn McNitt and Joshua Simons argued against ratification. Each speaker had four minutes to deliver their stance. 

Subsequently, the panel took questions from the crowd, highlighting key concerns  about compensation, public perception of unions affecting negotiations, and effects of ratifying or not ratifying the contract. Former Chapter President Richard Kelder also delivered an impassioned speech as  a member of the Negotiations team. With all questions addressed, the speakers had a minute to wrap up their arguments and invite audience members to vote for or against the contract. 

Due to delays imposed by the parties UUP is negotiating with, the ratification process has been pushed back by several weeks.