Unions at UMass are bargaining for three-year labor deals and are unhappy with the 2-2.5 percent raises offered in the governor's outline for pact negotiations.

They want at least 4 percent.

At Friday's Board of Trustee meeting about 30 union members pressed trustees and UMass President Jack M. Wilson to support them in their battle for pay that keeps up with inflation, which is now at 5.5 percent.

While UMass officials don't comment on on-going negotiations, Wilson made a statement on his support for fair pay packages for faculty and staff, but noted that mid-year budget cuts are on the way. The state is strapped for cash.  

Here's a verbatim treat on what Wilson had to say:

"Over the past nine months, the University has been actively engaged in
negotiations for new collective bargaining agreements with units representing
the large majority of our unionized faculty and staff.   I share the commitment
of our faculty members to bringing these negotiations to a successful conclusion
as quickly as possible and in a manner that provides fair and equitable
contracts.

"It is important to note that, although the University is
legally a separate employer from the Commonwealth, for purposes of labor
negotiations, we are required under Chapter 150(e) to secure approval from the
State Office of Administration and Finance and the Legislature for the funding
of all new collective bargaining agreements before they are presented to the
Governor for approval.   To this end, we work with the leadership on Beacon Hill
to determine the parameters within which our contracts may be settled and
funded.

"I am proud that in my first year as President, we were all able
to work together to end a challenging period in which no faculty or staff
contracts had been submitted for three years.   Together, we won approval of an
immediate adjustment to make up for the missed annual increases and much of the
funding for the contracts was restored retroactively.

"The Secretary of
Administration and Finance has informed us that tax revenues are lower than
projected and, as you know, the state government constitutionally must balance
the budget of the Commonwealth.   State agencies have been told to prepare for
mid-year rescissions known as 9-C budget cuts.   We expect that the
administration will indicate in October the extent of our 9-C reduction.  We are
preparing plans for coping with that eventuality.  
Another challenge on the
horizon is the additional budget pressure that will ensue if the income tax is
eliminated. 

"I will continue to advocate on the part of our employees for
fair and appropriate contracts for faculty and staff."