The presidents of three Kent State unions currently negotiating new contracts have sent a joint letter to University President Carol Cartwright, saying that they could accept all employees paying some premiums for health insurance.

They ask that the university accept the principle that non-union members contribute financially to the unions because they get benefits for contracts that the union negotiates.

The presidents are Cheryl Casper, AAUP-KSU chapter; Tracy Laux, the AAUP-KSU non-tenure track; and Ray Davis, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees.

The AAUP represents faculty members. Non-tenure track faculty are hired on a year-to-year basis. AFSCME represents university maintenance and food service employees.

“The three bargaining units have been collaborating on a joint proposal,” said Casper. “The purpose was simply to advise the president that the three units are trying to establish some common ground.

“The three unions have been working together on a benefit proposal so employers don’t try and play us off one another.”

Laux and Davis could not be reached for comment yesterday.

Contact academic affairs reporter Bethany Jones at [email protected].