Bill > H2185

This bill addresses wages and benefits for employees at public higher education institutions in Massachusetts through three key provisions. First, the bill requires that the state's operating budget include separate funding for incremental cost items in collective bargaining agreements for the University of Massachusetts and public higher education institutions, excluding grant-funded and auxiliary enterprise positions. Second, the bill mandates that the commonwealth shall be responsible for fringe benefits costs, such as pensions and health insurance, for employees of public higher education institutions, again excluding grant-funded and auxiliary enterprise positions. Third, the bill modifies existing collective bargaining regulations by requiring the Board of Higher Education and the University of Massachusetts Board of Trustees to certify that proposed salary increases will ensure faculty and staff salaries reach at least the national average (adjusted for cost of living) for each job category by the end of the contract term. The overall intent of the bill appears to be improving compensation and financial support for higher education employees in Massachusetts by ensuring more comprehensive and competitive wage and benefit structures.

Labor and Employment

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H2185