Sept. 16, 2021, 1:53 p.m.

Negotiations slowed this morning with the OPEIU saying, “No,” to several Sandia proposals but not offering any new counterproposals, including on wages. Several of the rejected proposals were benefits articles passed to the OPEIU on Aug. 19 with no response from the union until today. Sandia re-emphasized that its offer of an early ratification bonus is contingent on the OPEIU members ratifying a new contract by tomorrow (Sept. 17) at 11:59 p.m.

Sandia and OPEIU negotiators are scheduled to return to the bargaining table this afternoon. Sandia is hopeful progress can be made.