February 16, 2026
An update from our fourth bargaining session with the University
Our bargaining team had a busy weekend. We spent about five hours together Saturday reviewing survey feedback from members, working on our remaining proposals to present to the University, and discussing our bargaining strategy.
Then we met as a team for a couple hours Monday morning before meeting with ISU’s bargaining team on Monday afternoon for a few hours.
We shared a handful of proposals with the University’s team — they now have all of our proposals for non-economic items.
After the teams caucused, ISU came back and presented us with counter-proposals on six of the items we had previously shared with them.
We’re encouraged that we finally received formal responses from the University and we’re hopeful it’s a sign of making some progress — slow progress, but progress.
We are optimistic that from the counter-proposals we received we will be able to resolve a few and get to tentative agreements so we can continue working through items and addressing issues to make progress toward a Tentative Agreement we can bring to members for a vote.
While we are not scheduled to meet with ISU again until after Spring Break, we do intend to share some responses and proposals with them between now and then. And our team will be meeting for a work session on Sunday, March 1.
On behalf of all of us — Lauren Denofrio-Corrales, Jake Davis, Andy Goveia, Chris Pederson, Kevin Thompson, Amy Yount and IEA UniServ Director Ben Matthews — thank you for your continued solidarity and support! Having lunch provided for our Monday bargaining session was so appreciated. If you are wanting to help in any way, you can reach out to LSEA president, Meg Flanagan!
Our power at the bargaining table comes from membership and our solidarity is our strength. If you have not yet joined us, please join us today! Reach out to anyone of the bargaining team or contact Meg, if you have questions or would like more information about becoming a LSEA member!
We are scheduled to meet again with the ISU team on March 19 from 4-7pm.
Don’t hesitate to reach out with questions. And watch for more updates as we have more information to share.
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