With CFA and CSU management at impasse in successor contract negotiations, the two sides are scheduled to hold a mediation session with state-appointed mediator Tony Butka on January 19.

Mediation is the second step in the “statutory process” outlined in state labor law. See a review of the statutory process.

Butka – who has served as a mediator in previous disputes between the two sides – will meet individually and collectively with the parties. When (and if) the mediator reaches the conclusion that mediation cannot produce a settlement, he/she certifies the dispute for the next step: Fact-Finding.

Mediation comes after CFA informed the Chancellor’s representatives at the last bargaining session before Thanksgiving that the parties were clearly at impasse over a number of important provisions in the faculty contract.