Contract Negotiations Continue For Faculty At Oakland University

ROCHERSTER  (WWJ) - Classes begin in just 15 days at Oakland University and professors say they still don't have a contract.

A state mediator rescheduled Monday's session for Thursday, August 23rd, and the parties have agreed to a contract extension through that date.

Karen Miller, president of the professors' union at Oakland University says their current contract is set to expire at midnight Monday.

"I still want to believe that the administration, in fact, does value us and, in fact, does want us to stay and wants us to be productive, "said Miller.

Miller says money remains the biggest sticking point. The union says both sides are "far apart" financially.

Miller says many professors are insulted by the university's money offer: "Many use the term 'slap in the face', they were hurt, they felt that they were unvalued. I would like to think that was not the intent of the university."

University officials say they do not comment when there are ongoing negotiations.