Update
MOUNT PLEASANT -- Classes are scheduled to start at Central Michigan University Monday morning but the question remains, when will the faculty return to work?
Union members held a closed door meeting Sunday night to discuss job action but that meeting was called off due to stalled negotiations with the school's administration.
The school sent a news release saying it would seek a court- injunction to get teachers back to work.
Students were asked to report for classes Monday, along with CMU's 439 fixed-term faculty and 591 graduate assistants.
In a statement sent out to faculty members, bargaining team leaders wrote: “the administration is no longer willing to discuss economic issues. Although we continued to assert our willingness to bargain 24/7 and insisted we could foresee multiple paths forward, no additional bargaining sessions are planned."
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A mediated bargaining session between Central Michigan University and the CMU Faculty Association ends with no deal reached. CMU leaders continue to ask students and staff to report for the start of fall semester Monday.
A mediator adjourned the Saturday meeting saying both sides remain significantly apart on compensation and benefits. CMU officials say progress was made on non-economic issues.
Below is a statement released by the Communications Director at CMU:
While we are very pleased that meaningful progress has been made, the university remains steadfast in its desire to reach a new agreement. The university reinforces its commitment to schedule future negotiations that are wholly focused on finding a fair and equitable solution for both parties.
Faculty salaries and benefits are continuing to be provided during the negotiations for work performed.
Students should report for classes on Monday. CMU remains focused on providing students with a high-quality education and expect that faculty will be in the classroom Monday to ensure a strong start to the new academic year.
The Faculty Union is planning to gather at 7:00 PM Sunday for a closed-member meeting. Below is an email sent to union members:
Bargaining Update: August 20, 2011
Today, we had another mediation session from 11am to approximately 3pm. The
administration is no longer willing to discuss economic issues. Although we
continued to assert our willingness to bargain 24/7 and insisted we could
foresee multiple paths forward, no additional bargaining sessions are
planned.
Tomorrow, all members are expected to join us for a closed-member meeting at
7:00pm in the MPHS auditorium. Bring your photo ID.
We will declare action together!
FA STRONG,
The Bargaining Team
