Oakland University Strike: Oakland University has successfully avoided a strike, with classes set to resume as scheduled on Wednesday, September 4, 2024. This follows a tentative agreement reached late Tuesday night between the university and the American Association of University Professors (AAUP).
The agreement, finalized just before the start of the new semester, was a major relief for students and staff alike. Both parties have been negotiating intensely for weeks, with a key focus on resolving issues related to wages and retirement contributions.
According to a statement posted on the OaklandAAUP.org site, “Bargaining Session Update: We have reached a Tentative Agreement, and classes will begin as scheduled tomorrow. We encourage everyone to email their students ASAP to let them know. Members should check their email for further information about the tentative agreement and ratification process.”
The tentative contract includes a comprehensive five-year plan with significant improvements for faculty members. The highlights of the agreement are:
- Year 1: A 4% merit pool increase, along with one-time lump sum payments of $1,500 for full-time faculty and $500 for special lecturers.
- Year 2: A 3% merit pool increase and $500,000 allocated for market adjustments.
- Year 3: A 3% merit pool increase and another $500,000 for market adjustments.
- Year 4: A 3% merit pool increase.
- Year 5: A 3% merit pool increase.
The agreement also includes increases for promotional raises, additional funds for faculty travel and research, and a doubling of the retirement stipend for special lecturers.
OU Director of Media Relations, Brian Bierley, shared the news: “Oakland University and its faculty union reached a tentative agreement late this evening, and classes will begin as scheduled tomorrow. The agreement still needs to be voted on and ratified by faculty union members in the next week or two, but this is great news for all concerned.”
The previous contract had expired on August 14, leading to a tense period of negotiations. The primary issues had been the proposed wage increases and retirement contributions for guest lecturers. The union had initially demanded a 30% raise over five years, while the university had offered a 21% increase.
President Ora Hirsch Pescovitz praised the agreement, saying, “Our faculty members’ contributions are critical to our mission and achieving our strategic goals. This generous package demonstrates our commitment to their continued success.”
The agreement follows recommendations from a state mediator, which helped resolve the remaining issues. Both the university and the union are now preparing for the final ratification vote, which will confirm the details of the new contract.
As students prepare to return to their classes, the agreement brings a sense of stability and reassurance after a period of uncertainty. The resolution not only addresses the immediate concerns but also sets a positive precedent for future negotiations.
