Bargaining Team: Ryan Sharbrough, Allyndreth Smyth, Makenna Page

The purpose of the introductory pre-bargaining meeting was to establish rapport, discuss the bargaining process and logistics, and schedule initial bargaining sessions.

The pre-bargaining introductory meeting was held between the Cognition Escape Rooms ownership and the Union bargaining unit. The parties introduced themselves, discussed bargaining expectations, reviewed the collective bargaining process, and outlined how proposals would be exchanged and negotiated.

The Union explained that negotiations would begin with non-economic proposals before moving to economic issues, such as wages and benefits. Both parties expressed a desire to maintain a respectful and productive working relationship and agreed that bargaining sessions would be conducted virtually.

Bargaining Process Overview

The initial focus will be on non-economic proposals, including recognition, Union security, definitions, and working conditions.
Economic items, including wages, increases, benefits, and other cost-related issues, will be addressed later, once substantial progress has been made on other non-economic language.
Proposals will be presented by section or article rather than as an entire contract at once.
The first contract is expected to be approximately 35 to 45 pages or more, with only portions reviewed during each bargaining session.
A federal mediator may be brought in, if needed, to help the Employer and Union resolve contract disputes, prevent work stoppages, and navigate collective bargaining negotiations. A mediator is typically brought in once negotiations are close to an overall tentative agreement.