After months of negotiations, bargaining procedures between the Eastern Michigan University Federation of Teachers and EMU have reached an end.
The new contract negotiated covers both full-time and part-time lecturers. This is the first time in the union's history that the groups have been represented together.
"While negotiations of this nature are never easy, these were even more complex because the teams had to combine the interests of what previously had been two bargaining units into a single contract," said Walter Kraft, EMU's vice president of Communication and Marketing.
The EMUFT also pleased with the outcome of negotiations.
"I think the university and the bargaining team are both excited that we have reached a contract," said Anke Wolbert, union vice president.
Wolbert expressed satisfaction with the terms of the new contract for lecturers.
"It's a good contract," Wolbert said. "We achieved many significant changes."
Some of those changes include increased compensation and improved promotion structure for full-time lecturers.
"The salary increases that we negotiated are the highest that our unit has ever seen," Wolbert said.
With the conclusion of bargaining, both parties are happy to be have a contract that meets their needs.
"We have great respect for our lecturers and the important role they have in supporting our students and appreciate the efforts of everyone involved in reaching a positive outcome," Kraft said.
"These were very long and intense contract negotiations and I think they lasted longer than both sides would have hoped," Wolbert said. "But I also think that we both developed a greater understanding of issues and processes."
The new contract will be tentatively ratified by the EMUFT this week. If passed by the union, it will then be ratified by the Board of Regents at their next meeting on Oct. 19.
