Strike Averted, Rider Faculty, Administration Reach New Contract Deal

LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ — After weeks of negotiations, the Rider University Chapter of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) reached a tentative labor contract with the administration.

The agreement was reached Sunday after the AAUP was locked in negotiations with Rider administration since June.

The AAPU had voted to strike if the university failed to reach a "fair and equitable contract.” More: Rider U. Faculty Threaten Strike As Students Prepare Return To Campus

Both parties were able to find “common ground on issues related to workload, working conditions, salary and benefits,” according to the American Federation of Teachers New Jersey.

"I believe this is the best contract that could be achieved without a strike, and I will be recommending it to the membership for ratification. It will be up to the membership to make the final decision,” Rider AAUP/AFT Chief Negotiator Jeffrey Halpern said.

The tentative five-year contract is scheduled to be presented to the union’s members and the board of trustees, who will then vote on its ratification. The AAUP/AFT will hold a ratification vote on Sept. 20.

“The lengthy negotiations concluded days after the chapter hosted the largest chapter meeting in its history. Members were adamant they get a fair contract and go out on strike, if necessary,” Rider AAUP/AFT President David R. Dewberry said.

“I think it's a deal both sides can live with. And with this, hopefully, the University will have the ability to move in the right direction.”

Negotiations between the union and administration broke down last week after the university put a new proposal on the table, that the AAUP said did not meet their “position on workload and tuition remission.” More: Rider Faculty, Administration To Resume Contract Negotiations Friday

“In 40 years of negotiating, this has been the most difficult one. It was the only one where our right to collective bargaining and viability as a union was at stake,” Halpern said.

Located in Lawrenceville, Rider University has around 3,200 students and over 200 full-time faculty members.

More recently, the private university has suffered various financial setbacks leading to job cuts and program closures. More: Rider Faculty Condemns Job Cuts, Program Closures At University

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