A week after starting their strike, Ferris State University professors have made a deal with the administration.
For the past three years, faculty at the Big Rapids university have been working without a contract. The Ferris Faculty Association, a 450-member union, was primarily concerned about issues of salary, summer pay, hiring, evaluations and early retirement.
"Most students are thrilled it's finally over. They are ready to go back to school," said senior Rob Patin, editor of the Ferris State Torch student newspaper.
The new contract calls for an increase in the faculty base pay, bonuses and a retirement incentive program.
"I am glad that the university and the union had a sense of compromise," said Mark Hill, professor of manufacturing at Ferris.
All the FFA's major demands were met, and the pact was approved by Ferris' Board of Trustees with only a few minor changes.
Professors went on strike Aug. 25, the first day of classes, after previous negotiating sessions failed to end the labor dispute. Friday, the strike was halted and professors returned to work Tuesday, still without a contract. Meanwhile, the university further galvanized the faculty by threatening to replace striking teachers.
A continuation of the strike seemed imminent until yesterday morning's announcement of a joint agreement to an eight-year contract ending in 2002. Intense all-night bargaining resulted in a settlement satisfactory to both sides.
"Everyone is extremely pleased and relieved," said Ferris spokesperson Margaret Avritt.
She added that missed school days will be made up without radically changing the schedule.
The contract also sets summer pay at 34 percent of base pay for 1998 to 2000 and 35 percent in 2001 and 2002.
In addition, the university will pay a $1,000 bonus for 1996 to '97 and $500 bonuses for 1997-98 and 1998-99. Salary increases will be dependent of student enrollment.
The last three years of the contract guarantee raises of 2.6 to 3.5 percent. The contract will now be sent for a vote to the FFA, with the labor negotiators' recommendations.