In order to move the negotiating process forward, The Eastern Michigan University faculty union offered the administration binding arbitration today. The union is prepared to abide by the ruling of an independent arbitrator in order to settle this dispute.

In other news, the faculty was strongly united and picketed outside their classroom buildings. According to our reports, more than 90% of faculty did not teach their assigned classes today.

The EMU administration reports that they offered the faculty a 16% raise. However, when health care costs increases are included, the faculty would receive a 2.4% raise per year for three years. The EMU-AAUP is requesting 4% per year (after health care costs) for three years, which approximates the estimated rate of inflation.

The EMU-AAUP is prepared to go back to the bargaining table at any time, and is committed to bargaining for as long as it takes in order to achieve a satisfactory contract.

Contact: Howard Bunsis, President, EMU-AAUP

734-487-1070 (office phone)

734-845-0706 (cell)

www.emu-aaup.org [0]