CMU contract talks may delay school year

Classes at Central Michigan University may be delayed because of contract disputes between the faculty union and administration. Without a contract, faculty may not show for class August 22. The two groups are at a standstill on a number of issues including salary increases, health care or who is allowed to be a union member.

Tim Connors is the former president of the faculty union at the university. He says the union is ready to get back to the table.

“If we are not back at the bargaining table, I feel pretty sure that people coming to campus can see informational picketing,” he said.

Connors says the faculty union is meeting next week.

“We apparently are not a priority for the administration,” he said.

The administration declined to comment. Both parties have asked the Michigan Employment Relations Commission to appoint a fact-finder.

- Amelia Carpenter - Michigan Radio Newsroom