CMU faculty approves job action

Students may show up to empty classes next week if negotiations between Central Michigan University faculty and administration fail on Wednesday. On Monday night the faculty union voted to stop working if a deal is not hammered out.

The group has been working without a contract since June 30, reports the Saginaw News.

The CMU Faculty Association Job Action Policy states the union does not go on strike, but enacts a legal work stoppage “as a response to an unfair labor practice by the administration and to encourage the administration to bargain in good faith.”

Although the members may withhold many services such as teaching classes, attending meetings and holding office hours, they may continue to conduct research and oversee student master’s projects, among other things.

“In walking away from faculty, this administration walked away from the best interest of students,” [union President Laura] Frey said.

Administration and union officials have been unable to come to terms in spite of 19 meetings since April. So what’s holding things up? Frey told the News:

The faculty members say their position is based on the removal of some faculty from the bargaining unit, reduction in health care coverage, diminished retirement security, salary compensation below comparable Michigan institutions and the erosion of the reappointment, promotion and tenure process.

But even with the a work stoppage — a polite way to say strike — looming, the administration appears not to be too worried.

“We are looking forward to another exciting and rewarding year at CMU,” said University President George Ross in a statement. “We are pleased to report that all of our plans for this week and the start of classes are on schedule. Regarding the negotiations with the CMU Faculty Association, we maintain our strong desire to move expeditiously toward resolving our differences in a timely manner that is fair and equitable to all parties.”