Our team reports that contract negotiations between the WMU-AAUP and the administration are proceeding in a productive and collegial manner. The teams met at the table on May 8 and May 13 to exchange articles and discuss proposals. Both sessions involved extensive discussions of the proposals and a thoughtful sharing of viewpoints.

Our team presented proposals on the following articles:

• Article 2: Definitions
• Article 20: Faculty Specialists
• Article 42: Work of the Unit

The administration’s team presented a proposal on Article 38: Calendar.

The teams will return to the table next Tuesday and Thursday, May 20 and 22. In the meantime, Cynthia, Bilinda, Onaiwu, and Tom are meeting frequently to consider the proposal presented to them and preparing for further discussion at next week’s sessions. They report that they are pleased with the progress at the table and with the tone of mutual consideration that both teams have established, and they continue to focus their efforts on working to revitalize the academic mission of the university.

We will continue to provide regular updates to you as negotiations continue. You can also catch up any time on negotiation news (including Chief Negotiator Cynthia Klekar’s opening statement), on Facebook, Twitter, and right here on the blog.

Many thanks to all of you who have emailed or posted messages of support and solidarity for the team on Facebook and Twitter. It means a lot to all of us to see those messages. Please do keep them coming.  #GoWMUAAUP  #StrongerTogether

We welcome your feedback, comments, and questions at any time. Call us at 345-0151, email us, or comment below.