Wayne State, Faculty Union Reach Tentative Agreement
DETROIT -- Wayne State University and its faculty and academic staff union, the American Association of University Professors-American Federation of Teachers (AAUP-AFT) Local 6075, announced Tuesday that they have tentatively agreed to an 8-year contract.
This agreement will replace the contract that expired July 31, 2012.
The AAUP-AFT represents approximately 1,950 faculty and academic staff.
"We conducted negotiations based on the best interests of our students and the future of the University," said Wayne State President Allan Gilmour. "This tentative agreement recognizes the value of our faculty and staff, and also builds in the accountability and flexibility required to adapt to a rapidly changing world of higher education."
Added Charles Parrish, president of the WSU AAUP-AFT local: "As always, there is give and take on both sides, but we believe this is a fair contract. Most importantly, tenure and academic freedom have been preserved. This will allow our faculty to continue their excellent work in teaching and research."
In addition to changes in wages and benefits, the contract also looks to the future by establishing ongoing committees to explore the use of technology in education and the changing realities of health care benefits.
Members are scheduled to vote on ratification on March 6. The contract will be effective upon ratification.
The university and the union said further details of the deal will be available in the next few days.
Wayne State offers more than 370 academic programs through 13 schools and colleges to nearly 29,000 students.
