OU STUDENTS ORGANIZE RALLY OF SUPPORT
Students hold rally in support of faculty
ROCHESTER, MICH. – Over 100 OU students gathered in front of the Oakland Center to show their support for faculty protesting unfair labor practices. They held homemade signs that read, “Where is our tuition going?” and chanted, “Higher education, not higher profits.”
One student dressed as a king held a sign that said, “The King Doesn’t Like +40% Bling,” referring to President Russi’s recent 40% salary raise.
When asked why they were there, senior Liliana Barska of Waterford said: “Students support our professors. They are looking out for our best interests. What is the administration doing?”
Heather Sterner, a sociology junior from Clarkston, commented: “I’m here in support of my faculty who have continuously supported me. I have decided I will support my faculty at all costs.”
The students marched across the campus and gathered for an AAUP press conference, with media representative, Liz Barclay. Barclay said, “We are encouraged by what is going on in court. We believe the judge understands the administration has not been bargaining in good faith. We want to get back in our classrooms. We are encouraged by students supporting us.” Her comments were interrupted by student shouts of “we love you” and applause.
Some progress has been made in negotiations. This afternoon, Oakland County Circuit Court Judge Edward Sosnick ordered Oakland University, the AAUP and the state mediator to negotiate through the night.
If no tentative agreement has been reached, the parties will reconvene in Judge Sosnick’s court at 10AM Thursday morning. At that time the court will conduct a hearing on the administration’s injunction request.
Karen Miller, the union chapter vice president said, “We view this as an important victory. Yesterday the administration sought to end the picketing immediately. The judge has responded two different times by calling for the two sides to continue bargaining in good faith.” She continued, “All along our complaint has been that the administration has been unwilling to seek compromises with us. We are delighted that the judge is creating an environment conducive to true bargaining.”
Yesterday, Judge Sosnick refused to grant the Administration’s request for an immediate injunction that would have forced professors to halt their protest. This job action has received substantial support from spokespersons representing universities across the country. An Oakland Press opinion poll shows 92% of respondents supporting the faculty.
Last week the AAUP at Oakland University filed an unfair labor practice charge with the Michigan Employment Relations Commission (MERC) that cited the administration of Oakland University for a number of violations. A decision on AAUP’s filing is still pending.
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