Ground Rules for Negotiations

Ground Rules for Negotiations Between the University of Rhode Island and the

University of Rhode Island Graduate Assistants Union (NEARI/GAU)

1. Each negotiating session shall be held at a time and place to be mutually agreed upon by

the Parties.

2. Each negotiating team shall be entitled to hold caucuses during the negotiating session.

3. Caucuses may be of reasonable length, but may be extended by mutual agreement.

4. There shall be a designated negotiator for each side who shall act as the spokesperson.

5. All negotiating sessions shall be closed. Except by mutual agreement, attendance shall

be limited to members of the respective negotiating teams.

6. There shall be no minutes of negotiating sessions. Each party shall be responsible for

taking its own notes.

7. The Parties agree to provide each other with information requested for collective

bargaining purposes as provided for by statute.

8. Each side shall accept, reject, counter-propose, or hold each item as proposed by the

other side. Both negotiating teams shall have the authority to enter into tentative

agreements. When agreement is reached on any item, such item shall be reduced to

writing and signed by both chief negotiators, subject however, to final acceptance of the

entire proposed contract by the URI Graduate Assistants Union and the University.

9. All proposals by either Party shall be submitted in writing with sufficient copies for all

members of the negotiating team to which proposals are submitted. Full proposals shall

be exchanged no later than the third negotiating session, except by mutual agreement.

However, this shall not restrict the submission of counter-proposals.

10. The agenda, time, and location for the meeting will be decided upon in advance by

mutual agreement.