The University of Cincinnati faculty union agreed Thursday to increased costs for health benefits and trimmed its pay proposal in the first talks since its contract expired Aug. 31.

        John K. Brackett, associate professor of history and chief negotiator for the American Association of University Professors, said the union dropped its explicit 10 percent catch-up pay plan.

        Instead, AAUP increased its annual pay proposals to pick up some of the difference. AAUP stuck with 5 percent in the first year of the three-year pact, but asked for 7 percent in the second year and 8 percent in the final year.

        The last two years are higher than the expected proposal, which was inflation plus 1.5 percent. The proposal of 20 percent over three years was about double what AAUP received during the just-ended contract.

        Dr. Brackett said AAUP also agreed to the modestly increased copays and premiums for health insurance but continues to find itself stymied on noneconomic issues.

        For instance, the union wants a faculty/administration study of gender equity issues. UC says a study is unnecessary because it compensates individuals whose pay reflects illegal discrimination. Negotiations are to resume Oct. 11, he said.

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