A group of about twenty Eastern Michigan University part-time lecturers and their supporters rallied before the university's Board of Regents meeting today to protest possible cuts.
"What do we want? A fair contract! When do we want it? Now," chanted the group on campus.
EMU president James Smith confirmed that a 25% pay cut for new part-time lecturers is on the negotiating table but it's not a done deal.
Joe Montgomery who is part of the bargaining team for Eastern's Federation of Teachers was at the rally.
"The benefits package remained the same which is no healthcare and no retirement."
President Smith says, despite what some part-time lecturers believe, EMU does not plan to use university funds to renovate a sports complex while trying to make cuts.
"We're not going to spend 34 million dollars on athletics, you just saw the item in tab 21, we're going to go out and raise money for these projects."
Both sides are hopeful that they reach an agreement before the current contract expires in August.Non-commercial, fact based reporting is made possible by your financial support. Make your donation to WEMU todayto keep your community NPR station thriving.
— Jorge Avellan is a reporter for 89.1 WEMU News. Contact him at 734.487.3363 or email him javellan@emich.edu
