Interim President J. Bonnie Newman said today she is “deeply disappointed” that the UNH chapter of AAUP chose to move to “work to rule,” which she called adversarial, even before the two parties have entered into mediation or fact finding.

“We view this act, which is based on a vote by approximately 40 of the roughly 630 full-time UNH faculty, to be ill advised and not in keeping with a collegial approach to negotiations,” Newman said.

The administration will continue to be open to reasonable proposals to settle differences with the AAUP leadership in spite of this action, which the administration fears has the potential to create a contentious and damaging campus climate.

“UNH is an institution that thrives on the full involvement of all its members,” Newman said. “I’m saddened that the AAUP has taken an action that discourages participation and jeopardizes our sense of community.”

During impasse, the expired collective bargaining agreement remains in effect until a new agreement is reached. UNH faculty and administration share the obligation of maintaining educational excellence and the “status quo” – continuing to fulfill usual and expected responsibilities -- during impasse. This includes, but is not limited to, professional duties.

In addition, the AAUP has promised through the collective bargaining agreement “… that strikes and other forms of job action are unlawful… and that it shall not directly or indirectly encourage, sanction, or condone any [such] activities…” The AAUP further “…agrees to use every reasonable effort to actively inform members of the unit of the illegality of such activity and of the Association's opposition to such activity.”

“The administration remains committed to the principles of good faith bargaining, and we trust that other members of the UNH community do as well,” said Bruce Mallory, UNH provost and executive vice president. “As we work toward a fair, competitive, and fiscally responsible new contract, we will assure that the essential work of the University continues, and we will expect all faculty members to fulfill their duties with respect to teaching, scholarship, and service.”