Oakland University faculty union reaches tentative agreement

(CBS DETROIT) - Oakland University faculty and the school have reached a tentative agreement on a new contract, avoiding a strike a day before classes are set to begin.

Oakland officials confirmed the school and faculty union had reached a tentative agreement late Tuesday evening.

"Faculty working conditions are student learning conditions," said OU's American Association of University Professors President Mike Latcha in a statement. "I'm glad the university and the bargaining team were able to come to an agreement so that I can get back in the classroom to deliver the excellent education Oakland students deserve."

The union says the new five-year contract calls for Oakland to put between 3% and 4% each year toward salary increases. The contract will also allocate $500,000 to be given out in the second and third years of the agreement based on inflation. All full-time faculty will receive a $1,500 stipend and part-time instructors will receive $500.

Other increases, like faculty travel and promotion raises, had already been agreed upon earlier in the contract negotiation process.

Contract negotiations had been ongoing for several months, with the two sides reaching a resolution on the final day of contract talks. Had the university and union not reached an agreement by midnight Tuesday, the AAUP says it was prepared to strike on Wednesday.

"In a spirit of respect and valuing our contributions we were able to come to an agreement today," said Oakland professor Jennifer Lucarelli.

Faculty will hold meetings in the coming weeks to formally vote on and ratify the agreement.

The university says classes will begin as scheduled on Wednesday.