The EMU-AAUP has suspended the faculty strike for 24 hours while we return to the bargaining table. As we told you, we wanted to negotiate until we had a mutually acceptable result, and this process allows negotiations to proceed.

The process will begin with the administration responsible for responding to the counter-offer we made before negotiations ceased. With your enormous show of support and demonstration of resolve, we have convinced the administration to resume talks.

This decision came down to one simple fact: We decided to put our students first.

We have been working for the better part of two days on this agreement, and we are pleased that we will be back in the classroom with our students, and that we get to work under the old contract for this 24-hour period.

Your bargaining committee will be in negotiations with the administration as you return to the classroom Tuesday morning.

This suspension is only for 24 hours. We would like nothing better than to achieve an agreement, but consider that this announcement signifies a resumption of the negotiating process. We have the right to go back on strike if they are not serious about negotiating.

Your negotiating team has taken this step after careful consideration of the needs of our students, their families, and faculty, as well as the future of Eastern Michigan University. We are grateful that you have stood strong with your colleagues, and also recognize your phenomenal dedication to your students and to your own families.

We are incredibly appreciative of the dedication and unity that the faculty demonstrated during this difficult time. We believe the faculty has come together like no other time in our history. We are proud to represent all of you.

Thanks for listening,

Howard