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EMU Lecturers Hold Sit-In On Campus During Union Contract Negotiations

Jorge Avellan
/
89.1 WEMU

Part-Time lecturers at Eastern Michigan University held a sit-in outside the university's president's office to protest possible cuts reported by their union.

Eastern Michigan University's Federation of Teachers released a statement saying that EMU wants to impose a 25% pay cut to all new part-time lecturers.  As they negotiate a new contract they're also asking for medical benefits and a pay raise for current employees.  Some make less than fifteen thousand dollars a year.

Credit Jorge Avellan / 89.1 WEMU
/
89.1 WEMU
Flyers with a photo of EMU President James Smith were posted around Welch Hall after Smith was not in his office Wednesday morning. An EMU spokesperson said he was in meetings.

Matt Cooper is the vice president for the Lecturers' Union.

“They’re able to find money to do a new sports complex, to renovate it for $35 million, but they’re asking us for a pay cut?” Cooper says.

An EMU spokesperson said the university does not comment on current negotiations.


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— Jorge Avellan is a reporter for 89.1 WEMU News. Contact him at 734.487.3363 or email him javellan@emich.edu

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