(BUFFALO, NEW YORK) –Administrators representing Buffalo’s D’Youville University in contract negotiations with its Faculty Union - the American Association of University Professors (AAUP), have moved backward at the table, according to Leaders with the D’Youville Chapter AAUP.

“We have made great progress in recent months,” said Union President Brandon Absher, “but the administration has chosen a very negative path recently.”

The AAUP D’Youville Chapter says administration negotiators have pulled retroactive pay off the table and reduced their salary offer - substantially.

This move comes after three years of negotiations, during which the Union has made large concessions, including on medical insurance, AAUP D’Youville Chapter Leaders said.

“We’ve done everything we can to reach an agreement and now they’re moving away from us,” explained Union Secretary Eric Miller said.

According to the AAUP D’Youville Chapter, the success of the University is vital to Buffalo and to the Western New York Region.

“Faculty are the 'essential' Workers in higher education and D’Youville is an anchor institution for our region,” said Union President Absher, who noted the potential impact of the new Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine School and the role that D’Youville plays in preparing future Health Care Professionals.

Despite the recent move of the administration, the AAUP D’Youville Chapter insists an agreement is possible and in the interests of all stakeholders.

“We support our students every day and we’re proud of the work they do in the community, (but) Faculty are at the heart of student success, so we need a fair contract,” Union Member Peggy Frye said.

Highlighting recent raises for administrators, a highly touted four-day work-week for all Staff and administration, and large building projects, the Union has cast doubt on claims that D’Youville University cannot afford a reasonable raise its Faculty.

“From my point of view, they’re choosing to prioritize buildings over people right now - and that’s just not how you should lead a university,” Union Member Marge Goodman said.

Meanwhile, D'Youville recently sought $44 million in financing from the Erie County Industrial Development Agency for a new building to house its Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Program.

And, AAUP D’Youville Chapter Leadership remains hopeful the administration will return to the table with an offer they can present to Membership.

WNYLaborToday.com Editor’s Note: For More On This Labor News Story, Go To: ‘Moving The Needle:’ AAUP ‘Rallies Have Impact’ As Contract Talks Are Set To Resume In Mid-October At Buffalo’s D’Youville University - Union ‘Picks Up Important Support From A High-Profile’ D’Youville Alum: New York State Senator Tim Kennedy - WNY Labor Today: Your On-Line Labor Newspaper, Bringing You Labor News From Across The Nation, New York State & Western New York

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