The University of Michigan has filed a formal petition with the Michigan Employment Relations Commission to appoint a “fact finder” in the ongoing strike by graduate workers.
The university, which filed the petition Wednesday morning, earlier indicated it would move in that direction if there was not substantial progress toward a resolution with the union by Tuesday.
The fact-finding process involves an impartial state-appointed examiner reviewing the pertinent issues between opposing parties in a labor dispute and making a non-binding recommendation on how best to reach a resolution. However, the process can take several months to complete.
“One of our guiding principles since the very beginning of negotiations has been that the continuity of instruction and support for all of our students is at the core of our mission as a university,” Sascha Matish, associate vice provost and senior director for academic human resources, said in a prepared statement issued Monday. “We need to ensure that this collective bargaining process continues to move forward, and the fact-finding process is the correct next step.”
In response to the filing, Amir Fleischmann, chair of the contract committee at the Graduate Employees Organization (GEO), told the Michigan Advance that the filing does not alter the underlying issues in the dispute.
Striking U of M grad workers remain defiant as contract talks continue
Following weekend commencement ceremonies during which striking University of...
Park Filed Complaint Against President Lee Ahead of 2021 Election Jang Youngha Sentenced to One Year in Prison, Two Years Probation Confirmed The police have launched an investigation into Park Chu...