August 7, 2024

OU, faculty union continue discussions on economic proposals

During the third mediator-facilitated session between OU and OU-AAUP, the two sides continued discussions on their respective economic packages and exchanged new proposals. Despite remaining far apart, OU is continuing to focus on trying to find a pathway to a sustainable solution that does not put the institution into significant and ongoing budget deficits that would require it to make budget cuts much deeper than those recently made. 

As part of the session, OU’s chief financial officer once again made a financial presentation, focusing on OU’s long-term budget plan and the practical limitations on funding increases to base salaries – a recurring expense – with its reserves. Additionally, the parties agreed to not change the structure of the academic calendar for the time being, but to resume discussions on the issue next January. 

As the current contract ends Aug. 14, the parties agreed to a one-day contract extension to accommodate the next scheduled bargaining session with the mediator scheduled for Aug. 15. Oakland hopes that the contract will be resolved at that time.