Oakland University Strike: Oakland University has successfully avoided a strike with a tentative agreement reached just before the start of the new semester. The agreement, confirmed late Tuesday evening, ensures that classes will resume as scheduled on Wednesday, September 4, 2024.
Negotiations between Oakland University and the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) had been intense, with a potential strike looming. Both sides worked through the night to finalize the contract, which was crucial as the deadline approached.
Key Points of the Tentative Agreement
The new five-year contract includes several important provisions:
- Annual Salary Increases: The agreement calls for annual salary increases of 3% to 4% for faculty members. This aims to address the ongoing concerns about compensation.
- Inflation Adjustments: To help offset inflation, $500,000 will be allocated in the second and third years of the contract. This adjustment is intended to ensure that faculty salaries keep pace with rising costs.
- Stipends: Full-time faculty will receive a $1,500 stipend, while part-time instructors will get $500. This is in addition to the salary increases.
- Travel and Promotion Raises: Earlier in the negotiation process, the university and the AAUP agreed on increases for faculty travel and promotion raises. These adjustments are part of the broader package.
Statements from the Union and University
Mike Latcha, President of the Oakland AAUP, expressed relief and satisfaction with the agreement. He said, “Faculty working conditions are student learning conditions. I’m glad the university and the bargaining team were able to come to an agreement so that I can get back in the classroom to deliver the excellent education Oakland students deserve.”
Jennifer Lucarelli, an Oakland professor, also praised the resolution. She noted, “In a spirit of respect and valuing our contributions, we were able to come to an agreement today.”
Next Steps
The agreement still needs to be formally ratified by faculty members. Meetings will be held in the coming weeks for this purpose. However, the immediate concern of a strike has been averted, and classes will begin as planned.
The contract negotiations had been ongoing for several months, and both sides reached the resolution on the final day of talks. The AAUP had indicated that a strike was imminent if no agreement was reached by the deadline.
Conclusion
With the tentative agreement in place, students can look forward to starting their classes without disruption. The contract aims to address faculty concerns and improve working conditions, which in turn should enhance the learning environment for students at Oakland University.
