Efforts to resume contract talks became more complicated at the University of Cincinnati on Monday when the faculty's chief negotiator quit.

        In his statement to the American Association of University Professors (AAUP), Dr. John Cuppoletti, a professor of physiology, wrote:

        “The AAUP asked me to negotiate under certain conditions that I felt compromised my ability to do an effective job and thus were not acceptable to me.

        “I therefore hereby resign immediately as chief negotiator and wish the AAUP and the Administration a successful conclusion to their negotiations.”

        Tuesday, he refused to elaborate.

        Joe W. Fisher, president of the AAUP chapter, announced the resignation to about 200 faculty members at a union meeting Monday afternoon.

        “It's a sad moment for me,” said Dr. Fisher, a professor of mathematical sciences. “This is kind of a blow for us.”

        Dr. Fisher said he was working with the remaining negotiators and AAUP trustees to select Dr. Cuppoletti's successor.

        Dr. Fisher praised Dr. Cuppoletti but he would not comment on the reasons given for quitting.

        However, AAUP Vice President Lynn Davis, a member of the bargaining team and professor of mathematics-physics-computer science, said that it was a “personal issue” and “more to do with style” than AAUP's issues and stances.

        AAUP's proposals represent a range of interest groups within the faculty. Observers have said the diversity of issues appears to have limited the negotiators' ability to engage in give-and-take, leaving the impression of an uncommonly disorganized union representation.

        In addition to pay and medical plans, AAUP's issues range from gender equity and domestic-partner benefits to what goes in personnel files.

        “When they pick somebody, we will be happy to go back to the table,” UC spokesman Greg Hand said.

        AAUP represents about 1,990 full-time faculty. Its contract expired Aug. 31 but faculty continue to teach.

        No negotiations are scheduled and Amy Elder, a professor of English, told Monday's faculty meeting that strike planning has begun.

        AAUP authorized a strike in May in what has become a routine vote before negotiations begin every three years. No strike has been called. The union has struck twice in the three decades it has represented faculty at UC — in 1979 and 1993.

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