TO:              FIU Community 
FROM:            Ronald M. Berkman, Acting Provost 
                 Alan Gummerson, UFF-FIU Chapter President 

RE:              New Collective Bargaining Agreement 

DATE:            January 9, 2005 

We are very pleased to announce that UFF and FIU have concluded a new collective bargaining agreement. This agreement provides the foundation necessary to support our academic community and our mission of providing quality teaching, research, and public service.

Many colleagues have committed countless hours and energy to make this agreement possible. President Maidique's commitment to providing an environment for faculty that parallels that of other research universities was pivotal to our success in reaching an agreement. The lead negotiators, Professor Lorna Veraldi and Dr. Judy Blucker, deserve the respect and admiration of the entire academic community. Thanks to both the UFF and FIU teams who have worked for more than two years to help forge an agreement.

Universities are "organic" communities-driven by the creative energy and collegiality of our members. This new, three-year agreement opens a new era of cooperation and trust that will serve to sustain the extraordinary gains our community has achieved and provide the energy to continue to grow and mature as a university.

We will continue to work together in the spirit that made this agreement possible.