As I informed you earlier, our negotiations have gone to impasse.  We will meet for a conciliation ("mediation") session on Friday, August 19, noon at Cedar Shore Resort in Chamberlain.

 

Those who have been actively involved in bargaining are strongly urged to attend.  If you plan on attending, please review the documents in this letter.  (I am sorry, It would not be helpful to have non-bargainers attend this session.)

 

First, here is the letter from the South Dakota Department of Labor Administrative Law Judge who will act as our conciliator. -  Letter from Dept of Labor  

 

Second, here is the letter from the BOR's lead negotiator, Jim Shekleton, declaring impasse.  Other than his comments that COHE desires to negotiate "indefinitely," I think it states the issues and our differences rather well. - BOR's Declaration of Impasse  

 

Third, here is an email from Shekleton discussing an item related to Intellectual Property (IP) on the BOR's August agenda. - Message from Shekleton  

 

Finally, here is the material he is submitting to the BOR. - Board IP Item  

 

As you can see, they have not moved from their position that IP is not a negotiable item.  We will be preparing a formal response to their position on this and the other issues.  If you have any thoughts or concerns, please share them with your local leadership or you may reply to this message.

 

Your brother in defense of faculty rights,

Gary Aguiar

President, COHE