FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  FROM:        R.L. Callahan TO:          WORKPLACE RECEIVED:    9.16.01 POSTED:      9.25.01 SUBJECT:  TUGSA AND TEMPLE SIGN TENATIVE AGREEMENT TO BEGIN CONTRACT TALKS!     Friday afternoon, TUGSA/AFT's lead negotiator, Arthur Hochner,   and Temple's lead negotiator, Robert Birnbrauer, each signed an   agreement that would result in Temple's administration honoring   the state labor board's August 21st decision and dropping its   legal challenges to our March 27th and 28th vote to unionize.   The agreement, which outlines the scope of bargaining for future   contract talks, is tentative pending ratification by Temple's   Board of Trustees.  (Ratification is expected on or before   October 9, the next scheduled Trustees meeting.)  After the   finalization of this agreement, TUGSA/AFT can begin long-delayed   contract negotiations and can press forward in the fight for   better pay, benefits, and working conditions for Temple's   graduate employees.  More details on the agreement will be   discussed at the union's General Meeting this upcoming Wednesday.     For More Information Contact Temple University Graduate Students' Association (TUGSA) American Federation of Teachers, AFL-CIO union@TUGSA.org (215) 235-0512  http://www.TUGSA.org