September 1, 2024

OU unconditionally withdraws its proposals on faculty workload policies; parties to meet again Tuesday

At today’s bargaining session, the University unconditionally withdrew all of its proposals on faculty workload by agreeing to the faculty union’s last proposal on that article of the agreement. Therefore, workload will no longer be discussed at the bargaining table and will not be an impediment to a new agreement.  

The parties also tentatively agreed to four other articles and an appendix, including increases to faculty travel, research funds, and raises for faculty promotions.

The primary issue remaining is compensation for full-time faculty and part-time special lecturers.  The faculty union rejected the University’s economic package of a total increase of 21% over five years, which includes an increase of 16% to base salaries over five years plus an additional 1% in one-time bonus payments.

In contrast, the faculty union insists upon an economic package of a total increase of 30% over five years, which is neither feasible nor sustainable.   

Bargaining is scheduled to continue Tuesday, Sept. 3, when the sides meet again with the state-appointed mediator. The University remains committed to finalizing a new agreement in time for the Fall semester to start as planned Sept. 4.