10.16.2006

What Really Happened at the Table on Oct. 12th—A View of Negotiations from a Rank and File Member

Dear MNA UMass Negotiating Team:

I need to put this in writing to all the negotiating team. I have been an observer for about five of the sessions, the last one being the afternoon of the impasse. I want to say, I cannot believe what I have observed every single time I have gone. Each and every one of you, have brought to the table our concerns, what matters to us, what we would walk for, what we wouldn't walk for. NONE of you took the impasse lightly, as well as the 10 day notice. You all still seemed so torn when it was time to vote - again - none of it being taken lightly. To be there, and see all of you - it's nothing that is portrayed by management. Even yesterday at work, I was told by our clinician that MNA got an offer from management at the end of the day, and MNA said "Absolutely not - we are NOT accepting it." I responded with "Oh really? I was there - management had left the building, so there was no response able to be given. Funny what they feed you." She had nothing more to say. I applaud all of you, and continue to wonder if I could do as fine a job as all of you. You all bring something different to the table as well. All so well-spoken, articulate, kind,respectful, unselfish, and most of all, you hold our hearts and souls in your hands, and you do it so very well. So, as an observer, I want to bless you all, and thank you from the bottom of my heart. I will walk proudly, with my head held high, on October 26, 2006, at 0600.

Laurie Budnick
7 EAST