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The University of Hawaii Professional Assembly might get involved in a legal dispute between the state and the teachers union.
UHPA filed a "petition for intervention" Thursday with the Hawaii Labor Relations Board, which would allow the union to comment on legal aspects of a "prohibited practice" complaint against the state.
The Hawaii State Teachers Association argues in the complaint that the state violated members’ rights when it unilaterally implemented on July 1 a "last, best and final" contract offer for teachers.
The contract terms included pay cuts, furloughs and higher health insurance premiums.
J.N. Musto, executive director and chief negotiator of UHPA, said the union is not looking to comment on the facts in the case.
"We felt it was imperative to share our concerns and obtain clarification about the circumstances that determine whether and how an employer may unilaterally implement a last, best, final offer," Musto said.
Musto added that the HSTA case could have implications for other labor unions.
UHPA represents nearly 4,000 faculty members in the University of Hawaii system.