Oakland University Strike Averted: After months of negotiations, Oakland University and its faculty union have successfully reached a tentative agreement on a new contract, avoiding a strike that could have disrupted the start of the academic year. This agreement comes just in time, as classes were scheduled to begin the day after the deal was finalized.
The Road to Agreement
The bargaining process between Oakland University and the Oakland University Chapter of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP), the union representing the faculty, began in June. Both parties have been in discussions for several months, with talks intensifying as the start of the fall semester approached. The negotiations reached a conclusion late Tuesday night, just hours before the first day of classes on Wednesday.
What’s in the Tentative Agreement?
The five-year tentative agreement includes several key benefits for the faculty:
- Salary Increases: The agreement provides a 4% merit pool increase in the first year, along with a one-time lump sum payment of $1,500 for full-time faculty and $500 for special lecturers. Over the next four years, the merit pool will increase by 3% each year. Additionally, $500,000 has been allocated for market adjustments in the second and third years.
- Promotional Raises: The agreement includes increases in promotional raises, which will benefit faculty members who advance in their academic careers.
- Research and Faculty Funds: Additional funds have been set aside for faculty research, supporting the university’s academic mission and encouraging scholarly work.
- Retirement Stipends: The retirement stipend for special lecturers has been doubled, offering better financial security for those nearing the end of their careers.
University Leadership’s Response
Oakland University President Ora Hirsch Pescovitz expressed her satisfaction with the agreement, highlighting the importance of the faculty to the university’s mission. “Our faculty members’ contributions are critical to our mission and achieving our strategic goals,” she said in a news release. “This generous package demonstrates our commitment to their continued success.”
Union’s Statement
The faculty union also expressed relief at reaching a deal, emphasizing the importance of starting the academic year without disruption. In an online statement, the union encouraged members to inform their students that classes would begin as scheduled. The statement also mentioned that further details about the tentative agreement and the ratification process would be shared with union members via email.
What’s Next?
While the tentative agreement has been reached, it still requires ratification by the union members. This process will likely take place in the coming days, with the faculty expected to vote on the deal. If ratified, the agreement will bring stability to the university and its faculty for the next five years.
A Positive Outcome
The successful negotiation of this agreement is a positive outcome for both Oakland University and its faculty. By reaching a deal, both parties have demonstrated their commitment to the university’s students and academic mission. The avoidance of a strike means that classes can proceed as planned, allowing students to begin their studies without interruption.
In conclusion, the resolution of this potential strike at Oakland University is a win for the entire university community. The agreement not only addresses the needs of the faculty but also ensures that the university can continue to provide high-quality education to its students.
