Oakland University Strike: Oakland University is facing a potential strike as the new semester approaches, with no agreement in sight between the university and the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) union. The deadline is looming, with classes scheduled to start on Wednesday. Both sides are racing against the clock to reach a deal before students return.
The union, representing faculty members, has authorized a strike, raising concerns that educators might not be back in classrooms when the semester begins. This move comes after weeks of negotiations and an expired contract.
Karen Miller, a history professor at Oakland University, expressed frustration with the ongoing negotiations. “For the last five years, we have accepted either no raises at all or very low raises,” she said. “If we have problems with faculty quitting over salary issues or other universities poaching our staff, it’s going to be difficult to provide a really good education to our students.”
The primary issue in the negotiations is pay raises. The AAUP is pushing for a 30% increase over five years, while the university has only offered a 21% raise. This proposal was rejected by the union. Another sticking point is the lack of retirement contributions for part-time faculty. The union has requested a 4% match, a benefit offered by some other public universities but not by Oakland.
Over the weekend, the AAUP authorized the strike and held extended meetings with the university administration. The next step in negotiations is a meeting with a mediator scheduled for Tuesday.
“We are ready to rock and roll,” Miller stated. “If classes are held, we will be there. If not, we welcome supporters to join us on the picket line.”
As the deadline nears, the university and the union remain at odds. Both sides are hopeful for a resolution but are preparing for the possibility of a strike. The outcome of the upcoming mediation session will be crucial in determining whether the semester starts as planned or if faculty members will take to the picket lines.
